Reducing water leakage is no longer solely an operational issue; it is a strategic priority for utility leaders, regulators, investors, and technology providers. Each cubic metre of water lost represents wasted energy, chemicals, labour, and capital investment. Tackling non-revenue water enables utilities to postpone costly capacity expansions, stabilise revenues, enhance supply reliability, and reinforce public trust. At the European Water Leakage Summit 2026, stakeholders across the value chain will explore how leakage reduction can unlock measurable operational efficiencies while supporting long-term asset stewardship.
Network Optimisation and Leakage Control Strategies
The greatest impacts in reducing non-revenue water arise from systematic network optimisation and proactive leakage management. Pressure management, district metered areas, targeted pipe renewal, and active leak detection programmes have consistently shown their capacity to achieve rapid and sustained reductions in water losses. Excessive pressure remains one of the main drivers of leakage and burst frequency, particularly in ageing distribution networks, positioning pressure optimisation as a high-priority measure for utilities pursuing immediate performance improvements.
Investment in advanced leakage detection technologies and structured monitoring programmes enables utilities to shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance. By locating hidden leaks early, utilities can substantially reduce water losses, limit service disruptions, and lower repair costs. These approaches apply across both urban and rural systems and deliver clear returns by reducing operational expenditure and long-term asset deterioration. For stakeholders, this creates opportunities in network services, equipment manufacturing, and specialist consultancy, all aligned with the growing demands for performance-based water management.
Metering, Data Accuracy, and Operational Efficiency
Beyond physical losses, apparent losses caused by inaccurate metering, data gaps, and unauthorised consumption represent a substantial component of non-revenue water. Enhancing metering accuracy across production, distribution, and customer connections is essential for establishing reliable water balances and supporting informed investment choices. Utilities that prioritise meter testing, calibration, and replacement programmes consistently report improvements in billing accuracy, demand forecasts, and customer confidence.
Modern network monitoring and building-level water management systems also play a crucial role in reducing losses by enabling faster fault identification and enhancing consumption visibility. When water flows are accurately measured and aligned with actual demands, utilities can optimise operations, reduce unnecessary system stress, and improve service performance. For technology providers and network operators, this area represents a growing market for solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency without adding to system complexity.
At the European Water Leakage Summit 2026, international water utilities, network service providers, and smart technology suppliers will unite to address non-revenue water as both a challenge and an opportunity. By focusing on leakage reduction, precise measurement, and efficient network operation, stakeholders can strengthen financial resilience, extend asset lifespans, and deliver sustainable water services in a progressively resource-constrained world.
