Australia Turns to AI to Tackle Hidden Water Losses

A global merger fuels smarter leak detection as Australia modernizes its water networks

13 Nov 2025

Australia’s water sector is entering a pivotal phase as utilities confront aging infrastructure and rising losses across extensive networks. Efforts to modernize local systems are gaining traction, and industry analysts say global developments are shaping expectations for what the next generation of monitoring tools could deliver.

In June 2025, Watts Water Technologies announced it would merge its digital brands, Nexa and The Detection Group, creating a consolidated platform intended to improve leak detection in commercial buildings. Company statements indicated that the initiative targets sectors such as hospitality, healthcare and manufacturing. Although the move focuses on commercial rather than municipal systems, observers note that advances in corporate technology often influence how utilities in markets like Australia evaluate emerging tools.

Utilities across the country are exploring technologies that promise earlier leak identification and more actionable data. According to engineers familiar with ongoing trials, interest is rising in AI-enabled acoustic sensors and in the expanding use of digital twins, approaches viewed as essential for reducing financial and operational strain linked to hidden breaks. Traditional inspection methods are increasingly challenged by climate pressures, from hotter temperatures to more erratic weather, which complicate maintenance cycles and elevate the cost of non revenue water.

Technology companies are responding with integrated systems that pair sensors with software, mobile applications and cloud-based analytics. These platforms aim to give operators real-time insight into buried assets, allowing field crews to respond more quickly and with greater accuracy. As continuous monitoring gains momentum, utilities are seeking tools that can scale without adding unnecessary complexity.

Challenges persist as digital platforms proliferate. Engineers caution that rapid adoption without thoughtful planning or training can strain field teams and limit intended benefits. Others contend that postponing modernization carries its own risk, especially as leaks become harder to pinpoint in deeper or more intricate pipeline corridors.

Still, confidence in the sector is improving. Pilot programs in several regions have demonstrated that smarter monitoring can curb leak-related losses and help prevent major failures. Global innovation, including the Nexa–TDG consolidation, is reinforcing expectations for what improved performance may look like.

Analysts say Australia’s next steps will determine how effectively utilities build toward a more connected and resilient water network in the years ahead.