AI and digital twins join the fight against global water waste crisis

Faulty pipes drain cities of billions of litres—now, real-time data and AI are hunting leaks in schools, hospitals, and beyond. Can tech plug the gap before reserves run dry?

, and Administrator

2026 March 17 . 10:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a large machine inside of a building with a sign that reads "Water Treatment" on... — The image shows a large machine inside of a building with a sign that reads "Water Treatment" on the right side. The machine is surrounded by a glass wall and there are lights at the top of the image. It appears to be a ge water treatment plant.

AI and digital twins join the fight against global water waste crisis

Water loss from leaks remains a major global issue, with billions of litres wasted every day. In the U.K. alone, 3 billion litres disappear daily through faulty pipes, while the U.S. loses nearly 90 billion litres. Now, tech companies and water specialists are teaming up to tackle the problem with digital solutions.

Up to 30% of water leaks happen on large sites like schools, hospitals, and public buildings. To address this, Belgian firm Shayp has developed a system that creates a digital twin of water usage. By analysing meter data in real time, it spots anomalies and pinpoints leaks with high accuracy.

Google has also stepped in, partnering with Agua Segura in Belgium to detect and prevent water waste near its data centre. The project focuses on community buildings, aiming to reduce losses in the area. Meanwhile, Shayp has joined forces with Microsoft for a 10-year initiative targeting 125 schools in Brussels and 500 schools and public buildings in Paris.

Elsewhere, commercial real estate giant CBRE is working with Ecolab to improve water efficiency across its properties. With annual usage exceeding 100 billion gallons, the collaboration seeks to cut waste and enhance water quality. Globally, around 30% of municipal water never reaches users due to leaks, making these efforts critical.

The push for smarter water management is gaining momentum, with tech-driven projects now active in Europe and beyond. Schools, public buildings, and commercial sites are key targets, as leaks in these areas account for a significant share of losses. If successful, these initiatives could save billions of litres and ease pressure on strained water supplies.