Who Will Win Europe’s Smart Water Race?

Europe’s utilities speed toward digital water systems amid bold deals and national programs

11 Dec 2025

Europe’s water utilities are accelerating the rollout of smart meters as suppliers face rising costs, ageing assets and climate-related pressures on water resources. Large contracts and new partnerships are adding momentum to a modernisation effort that has gathered pace across the continent.

The core change is the rapid installation of connected meters that record consumption in real time and identify leaks earlier than traditional devices. Analysts say the shift reflects advances in digital technology as well as expectations from regulators and consumers for greater transparency and resilience.

Recent agreements underline the speed of expansion. Netmore, a provider of internet-of-things connectivity, has secured major contracts with UK water companies in what observers describe as one of Europe’s largest smart metering programmes. The deals strengthen its role in the digital infrastructure behind next-generation water systems.

Kamstrup, a technology supplier, is attracting increased interest for its metering devices and data platforms, while UK utility Severn Trent has highlighted efficiency gains from its deployments, calling smart meters essential to building a more reliable and customer-focused network.

Analysts argue that the economic rationale is clear. Smart meters help reduce losses, lower operating costs and delay the need for major infrastructure upgrades. They also support more accurate billing and give households clearer information on usage at a time of heightened drought and conservation concerns in several regions.

Remaining challenges include scaling data systems and adjusting tariff structures. Industry executives say such issues are typical in large modernisation programmes and can be managed through phased planning.

Observers expect the next few years to determine which utilities establish a lead in digital operations as the shift gathers pace across Europe.