Safeguarding Water Infrastructure Through Accurate Leak Detection in Water Distribution Networks

Find Leaks in Water Networks to Reduce Water Losses in Line with the EU Water Strategy

Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource—even in Europe—where the demand for clean, accessible water continues to rise. As water prices are expected to increase, the European Union has recognized the urgency of reducing water waste and launched the EU Blue Deal, a key step shaping a long-term water strategy.

Leak detection supports the goals of the EU Blue Deal by helping reduce water losses and improve water efficiency. Detecting leaks in water distribution networks is an essential measure for achieving the objectives outlined in the EU Blue Deal and safeguarding our water future.

The EU Blue Deal: A Complementary Strategy to the Green Deal

The EU Blue Deal must be fully complementary to and in synergy with the EU Green Deal. While the Green Deal focuses on achieving carbon neutrality and promoting environmental sustainability, the Blue Deal seeks to tackle the growing water crisis by preserving and properly managing Europe’s water resources. The goal is to reduce water losses, improve infrastructure, and support the sustainable use of water across sectors.

As a part of the Blue Deal initiative, the EU aims to reduce water waste due to leaks in networks, agriculture, and industry. Water loss is not just an ecological issue—it directly intersects with the green transition and climate goals. Water is significant for nearly all aspects of the green transition, and thus, the Blue Deal intersects with the Green Deal in several ways. “A fundamental connection is the demand for water in the production of clean energy, particularly hydrogen. The production of hydrogen—considered a key energy source for the future—is heavily dependent on water,” says Henrik Vennerberg, Energy Market Manager at INFICON AB. “Without a sustainable and reliable water supply, it will be impossible to produce sufficient hydrogen to meet future energy demands. No Green Deal is possible without a Blue Deal,” continues Vennerberg.

Investing in the Future

One of the most pressing challenges within the EU is the condition of its water supply infrastructure. Many countries across Europe are facing a crisis due to ageing pipes and systems that are leaking, on average, approximately 25% of the total water supply. This significant water loss not only strains resources but also contributes to rising costs and environmental damage.

The EU will need to invest over EUR 250 billion to meet Europe’s water needs and tackle infrastructure challenges effectively. However, the cost of inaction is far greater, not only in terms of finances but also in the long-term sustainability of water resources. The Blue Deal, along with modern technologies for precise leak detection, can help make this investment more efficient by preventing unnecessary losses and ensuring that aged water infrastructure is maintained and repaired before it becomes a major problem.

The Crisis of Ageing Water Infrastructure

Repairing and maintaining water infrastructure is crucial for a water-resilient future. These actions have long been neglected, making it an urgent issue that needs immediate attention.

Water infrastructure extends beyond ageing pipes. Valves can wear out and develop leaks due to pressure fluctuations, while fittings and joints are prone to degradation and stress. Water meters, often overlooked, can crack or develop leaks that aren't immediately visible but lead to water loss. Service connections, which link the main water supply to properties, can also develop leaks, particularly in older systems. Similarly, storage tanks and reservoirs, which store water for demand, can suffer from structural issues, causing losses if not regularly checked.

A fast and early identification of leaks is critical to minimizing water waste, reducing the need for expensive repairs. The XRS9012 leak detector from INFICON is designed to detect even the smallest leaks early, well before they escalate into larger, more costly problems.

“Regular leak checks across key components are an important measure in securing a sustainable, water-smart economy. By ensuring that leaks are identified fast, the XRS9012 helps water utilities in their sustainable management of water resources supporting the goals of the EU Blue Deal,” concludes Vennerberg.