25 percent loss of water - how to get 4 million kilometers of EU water pipes leak free.

A frighteningly simple calculation right at the beginning, a calculation which makes the dimension of the problem clear - and it is simply frightening:

The average European consumes 120 - 150 liters per day. Due to leaks, 25 percent is lost on the way to the consumer. We calculate with the lower value, with 120 liters per day per person:

You use 120 liters per day, so the supplier has to send you 160 liters through the pipes, which is 40 liters more, because 25 percent seeps away. Based on all 446,990,000 people in Europe (2020), these 40 liters per day add up to:

6.5 trillion liters loss of drinking water annually in the EU*

As promised: a frightening number.

So something has to be done!

That is what the responsible said years ago.

So we as consumers are responsible: We use less water today than we were used to - thanks to more economical technology and because we pay more attention to using water sparingly. But not enough.

But above all, the responsible operators of waterworks and pipeline systems, administrations at all levels, legislators, and the technology have improved - developers, inventors, innovators have made all kinds of efforts - but not enough, not consistently enough, not long enough, not everywhere.

In general, we can all together adapt our behavior to the new circumstances - more people, climate change, better understanding of the connections - and we can introduce new processes and technologies.

New technology is expensive. The Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart noted a few years ago that several billion euros must be spent every year to maintain the infrastructure and renew it bit by bit - only in Germany. That is what is happening today.

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So, let's ask: What new technologies are there to prevent, find and close water pipe leaks?

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Here is a list - due to the abundance of possibilities:

1.??? Technologies to prevent water pipe leaks

? Smart pipeline technology (IoT sensors): Sensors in water pipes continuously monitor pressure, flow, temperature and humidity. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, water pipe networks can be monitored in real time, leaks can be detected, and weak points can be identified early before leaks occur.

? Pressure management systems: Excessive pressure in water pipes is a major cause of leaks. Automated pressure regulating valves can optimize pressure in water pipe systems by keeping pressure constant or reducing it in weak areas.

? Preventive maintenance with predictive analytics: Using algorithms and AI, historical data from pipe systems is analyzed to identify potential break points. Predictive maintenance makes it possible to carry out maintenance before failures occur.

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2.??? Techniques for detecting water pipe leaks

? Acoustic leak detection (hydrophones): This uses microphones or special sensors to capture the sound of water coming out of the pipes caused by leaks. This technique is particularly useful for underground pipes.

See the video: Asterra - Leak detection in Rumania

? Satellite monitoring: Satellite images with high-resolution infrared cameras can detect leaks in the ground or large infrastructure systems by measuring changes in soil moisture. This method can be applied over large areas.

? Data analysis software and algorithms: Systems analyze water usage patterns to identify irregularities that could indicate a leak. AI and machine learning can help detect leaks faster and more accurately.

? Drones with thermal imaging cameras: Drones equipped with infrared or thermal imaging cameras can cover large areas and detect temperature differences caused by leaking water. This method is particularly effective for detecting leaks in hard-to-reach areas.

? Correlation and geophone systems: These systems use multiple microphones installed at different points on the piping system to triangulate the sounds caused by a leak and determine the exact location.

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3.??? Techniques for closing water pipe leaks

? Pipeline repair robots: Miniature robots inserted into pipes can locate leaks and repair them directly. They use techniques such as lasers or mechanical fittings to seal small leaks without the need to dig up the pipe.

? Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) Linings: A technique in which flexible resin-coated tubes are inserted into the damaged pipes and inflated. The resin hardens and forms a new inner lining that seals the leak. This method allows repairs to be made without digging up roads.

? Sealants and epoxies: Special waterproof sealants or epoxies are applied directly to the leak to seal it. These are often used with robotic technology or manually once the leak is located.

? Hydraulic repair clamps: These clamps are made of a robust metal shell and are mounted directly on the leak to seal it temporarily or permanently. This method is often used in acute emergencies.

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4.??? What technologies are in the pipeline (pun intended)

? Nanotechnology for smart coatings: These coatings can be applied inside the pipes and detect microscopic cracks or weak spots early on. They could have self-repairing properties in the future.

? Hydrogen detectors: Hydrogen can be injected into the water and special sensors can detect escaping hydrogen gas to locate leaks with high accuracy.

? Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI can be used to predict pipe breaks by analyzing sensor data, weather conditions and historical data. AI-based systems could also coordinate automatic repair robots and repair leaks without human intervention.

One thing is clear: these topics will keep us busy for a long time. So we will write about new technologies that achieve amazing results, talk about cities and communities that are acting in an exemplary manner here; and we will report on new water extraction processes. Exactly, I am talking about AGUA DE SOL and the many other startups and established companies that are doing their part - and that can be a considerable part - to achieve the UN's great goal SDG6.

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Personal note: It would be a disgrace if we did not manage to create the basis for a good life: water for everyone, always.

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* If you convert these 6.5 trillion liters of water to the length of the pipes, it is still a huge loss, but one that now reads more as a challenge than an accusation. Experts also refer to this loss as non-revenue water (NRW), i.e. water that could not be billed - in Europe mainly due to leaks.

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