From Hidden Drips to Data Streams: Europe's Water Shift

IoT sensors with 10-year batteries drive EU leak compliance as utilities gear up for 2026 reporting deadlines

29 Jul 2025

Europe's water sector is preparing for one of its most significant regulatory shifts in decades as utilities adopt new technologies to cut losses from leakage.

The European Drinking Water Directive, effective since 2021, requires member states to report leakage levels by early 2026, with binding thresholds set to follow in 2028. The move places fresh pressure on utilities to deploy real-time monitoring tools.

At the centre of this change are acoustic sensors that can function underground for up to 10 years without battery replacement. Supported by narrowband loT and other low-power networks, the devices transmit data through soil and concrete, allowing utilities to detect small leaks before they escalate into bursts. Vodafone and other telecom groups have confirmed the technology's resilience in industry trials.

Companies across the metering and telecoms sectors are racing to adapt. Gutermann, known for acoustic detection systems, is partnering with network providers to improve device connectivity. Diehl Metering has expanded its digital portfolio, acquiring Al start-up Preventio in December 2024 and launching the Altair V5 water meter in July 2025, which offers 15 years of operational life with built-in IoT connectivity.

Despite rapid progress, hurdles remain. Patchy network coverage limits deployment in rural areas, connected devices raise cybersecurity risks, and the volume of real-time data requires advanced analytics. But industry analysts argue that early detection tools could alter the economics of water management by reducing losses and repair costs.

With climate change intensifying drought risks and reporting deadlines approaching, utilities are accelerating investment in continuous monitoring and connected infrastructure. For a sector long viewed as slow to innovate, the next few years may bring a structural shift in how Europe manages its most vital resource.