Smart Water Management - AI and IoT Optimize Resources and Reduce Costs

Smart Water Management - AI and IoT Optimize Resources and Reduce Costs

Extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent, and both floods and water shortages present major challenges for communities. Maintaining control over water flows and groundwater levels is essential for preventing disasters and ensuring a reliable water supply. At the same time, extraneous water in wastewater systems results in unnecessary treatment costs. AI and IoT-based monitoring can optimise water management, reduce costs, and mitigate the risk of damage to infrastructure and the environment.

Extraneous water drives up costs and increases the risk of flooding

Each year, approximately 380 billion cubic metres of wastewater are generated globally—a number expected to rise as populations grow and living standards improve. A significant portion of this is extraneous water, which does not belong in the wastewater system. This includes groundwater seeping in through leaks, rainwater entering through manholes, or drainage water being incorrectly directed into the network.

For municipalities and other stakeholders, this translates into high costs. The more extraneous water enters the system, the more energy and chemicals are required for treatment, leading to increased financial and environmental burdens. Additionally, excessive extraneous water can cause sewer overflows, releasing untreated water into nature and damaging both ecosystems and infrastructure.

AI-based analysis identifies the sources of extraneous water

To effectively reduce extraneous water, smart monitoring and analysis are essential. AI-driven solutions from Wioniq, in collaboration with technology partner Pluvion, provide municipalities worldwide with a detailed view of their wastewater networks, enabling them to quickly identify problem areas. By combining sensor data with AI-powered analytics, the system can:

  • Monitor network status in real-time.
  • Detect groundwater infiltration and other sources of extraneous water.
  • Predict risks of flooding and system overload.
  • Identify illegal connections that channel stormwater into the wastewater system.

A specific example is an AI-powered monitoring solution implemented in Schrick, Austria. By using sensors in the wastewater system and AI-driven analysis, the municipality created a digital map highlighting the most vulnerable areas. This led to targeted inspections, which quickly uncovered and resolved illegal connections, resulting in lower treatment costs and more sustainable water management.

IoT solutions provide full control over groundwater levels

Beyond managing extraneous water in wastewater systems, it is crucial to monitor groundwater levels. Excessively high levels can cause flooding and erosion, while excessively low levels can threaten water supply and damage ecosystems. Wioniq's IoT-based solution—developed and enhanced through joint efforts with Pluvion—offers:

  • Continuous monitoring of groundwater levels.
  • Automatic alerts for sudden changes.
  • Data-driven insights to support urban planning and infrastructure improvements.
  • The ability to predict and mitigate the effects of extreme weather.

Studies indicate that using IoT solutions for water monitoring can reduce flood-related damage by up to 40% over a five-year period. In addition, continuous monitoring helps ensure a stable water supply and protects critical community functions.

Smart water management - an investment in the future

Investing in AI- and IoT-based water management is not just about cost savings—it's about fostering more resilient and sustainable communities. By combining real-time data with intelligent analytics, municipalities and stakeholders can make better-informed decisions and proactively address issues before they arise.

With Wioniq's smart solutions—strengthened by strategic partners like Pluvion—municipalities and organizations gain a powerful tool to optimize water management, reduce unnecessary costs, and protect both people and the environment.

Want to know more?

Commercial Manager

Dan Wärja
dan.warja@wioniq.com
+46 702 38 50 04

Sources: IWMI. (n.d.). Global and regional potential of wastewater as a water, nutrient and energy source. CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). https://archive.iwmi.org/wle/global-and-regional-potential-wastewater-water-nutrient-and-energy-source/

Ellenex. (2023, October 24).Sensing nature's pulse: Environmental monitoring with IoT. Ellenex. https://www.ellenex.com/post/sensing-nature-s-pulse-environmental-monitoring-with-iot