Digital Fixes for Europe’s Dripping Infrastructure

AI leak detection is scaling fast as Europe races to modernize its water networks and curb costly loss

4 Feb 2026

Europe’s water utilities are beginning to adopt artificial intelligence as a routine tool to reduce leaks, as digital systems move from pilot projects into daily operations across the region.

Rising water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and tighter regulatory scrutiny are pushing operators to look for faster and cheaper ways to cut losses. AI-based analytics, which promise earlier detection of leaks without major physical upgrades, are increasingly seen as part of the answer.

Momentum in the sector was highlighted by a recent €2.3mn seed funding round for Dutch water technology start-up HULO. The company aims to scale its AI-driven leak detection platform across European utilities, reflecting growing investor confidence that software can deliver measurable gains in network performance.

Water networks already produce large volumes of data from meters and sensors monitoring flow and pressure. AI systems analyse this information continuously, identifying small anomalies that may signal leaks long before pipes fail or customers report problems. Utilities say this allows a shift from reactive repairs to more targeted preventive maintenance.

Large industrial groups are also expanding their offerings. Siemens has broadened the use of AI analytics designed to work across both modern and legacy assets, a key requirement in Europe, where much of the water infrastructure is several decades old. By converting raw data into prioritised alerts, such tools aim to help operators deploy maintenance crews more efficiently.

Industry specialists point to growing environmental and regulatory pressure to improve efficiency and reduce water loss. Climate-related stress, rising operating costs and stricter performance benchmarks are encouraging utilities to adopt digital solutions that can be deployed at scale.

Early users of AI-based leak detection report fewer emergency repairs and better visibility into network conditions. Utilities gain more reliable data to support long-term investment planning, while customers benefit from fewer disruptions.

Obstacles remain, including fragmented IT systems, shortages of digital skills and concerns over data security. Even so, investment and deployment are accelerating. As confidence grows in data-driven decision-making, AI is becoming a central tool in how Europe’s water sector seeks to protect scarce resources and extend the life of its ageing networks.