Introduction

In today’s digital and sustainability-driven world, water infrastructure is undergoing a profound transformation. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the management, monitoring, and sustainability of water networks.

IoT Sensors as the Foundation of Digitization

The deployment of IoT sensors has become standard in modern water resource management. These devices detect a wide range of parameters essential for leak detection and network optimization:

• Acoustic Sensors: Capture sound vibrations to precisely locate leaks.

• Pressure Sensors: Monitor variations to identify potential issues early.

• Flowmeters: Measure water flow to spot anomalies or inefficiencies.

• Temperature Sensors: Detect thermal changes, often indicative of underground leaks.

• Chemical Sensors: Track changes in composition, helping flag contamination or pipeline breaches.

AI: The Engine Behind Intelligent Water Management

AI serves as the backbone of intelligent infrastructure, as demonstrated in the Water4All project. By processing massive data streams from IoT devices, AI enabled real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter decision-making.

Key achievements:

• Predictive Analytics: Machine learning algorithms identified leak patterns and potential failures before they occurred.

• Multidimensional Modeling: AI combined sensory data to build a holistic model of the water network’s condition, detecting invisible or developing leaks.

• Enhanced Maintenance: AI reduced reliance on manual inspections through real-time alerts and smart scheduling.

This approach led to improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact—proving AI’s strategic role in future-ready infrastructure.

Benefits of Integrating IoT and AI

• Operational Efficiency: Real-time detection enables faster, more informed interventions.

• Cost Savings: Early problem identification reduces maintenance costs.

• Environmental Impact: Resource optimization minimizes waste and supports sustainability goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Accurate, real-time data leads to smarter infrastructure planning and response.

Case Studies

Several Italian utilities are already reaping the benefits of IoT and AI integration:

• ACEA Group: Deployed 30,000+ smart meters for remote consumption monitoring and implemented IoT for wastewater overflow control.

• Acquedotto Pugliese: Modernized asset and workforce management, and established a digital Control Room.

• AIMAG Group: Launched the “Sentinel” project for predictive sewer monitoring and revamped customer digital services.

• MM Group: Piloted automation and digital twin projects, using 350+ sensors to optimize sewage plant operations.

• SMAT: Adopted remote meter reading, digitized investment tracking, and developed an app for real-time site updates.

These initiatives highlight how digital innovation is transforming water network management in terms of efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.