Europe loses around 23% of its treated water before it ever reaches consumers. The main reason is outdated and leaky pipelines. With droughts becoming more frequent, these losses are making water shortages worse and driving up costs. Digital technologies and AI could help address the problem by enabling continuous leak detection, predictive maintenance, better pressure management, and more accurate drought forecasting.

However, modernizing the system will require significant investment, closer cooperation, and stronger cybersecurity. An AI-powered approach to water management, built on shared and more reliable data, could save billions, reduce energy consumption, and significantly improve Europe’s water infrastructure.