Every Drop Counts: Discover Our Ecosystem for Reducing Drinking Water Loss
Together with the Flemish water companies, VITO Kennispunt Water, technology suppliers, and research institutions, AquaFlanders is developing innovative solutions to reduce drinking water loss. This is how we are working towards a more sustainable future for water. On this page, you will learn more about the project.
Innovation in Action: The Power of Collaboration
Flanders is a water-scarce region, so we need to use drinking water sparingly. Our water companies make significant efforts to minimise drinking water loss, also known as non-revenue water (NRW), in all its forms.
Our ambition is to further reduce these losses.
How do we achieve this? Through an NRW ecosystem. It fosters collaboration between water companies, technology suppliers, and research institutions, accelerating the development and practical application of solutions.
NRW Ecosystem
Faster Leak Detection with Existing Data
Our first project within the ecosystem aims to develop a tool for faster leak detection and location. Currently, we use digital techniques to identify leaks within a register zone, a small, specific area of the drinking water network. In this zone, leak finders must pinpoint the exact location, often checking dozens of kilometres of water pipes, which is time-consuming. We aim to improve this process.
We are exploring techniques to reduce leak finders' search time using existing data sources, relying on a combination of algorithms.
To ensure smooth project execution, we are collaborating with the Programme Innovative Public Procurement (PIO).
The Next Step: finding partners for Proof-of-Concepts
In March 2024, the groudnwork for the PIO project started under the guidance of consultancy firm Verhaert.
Through a series of workshops, we mapped which data sources are available and how the leak detection process operates.
During a market consultation in October, we then pooled various market players to encourage cross-fertilisation and cooperation within the NRW ecosystem.
From this preperatory process, Verhaert concludes that there is broad support from the market for using existing data to improve the efficiency and accuracy of leak detection and localisation.
The report with the results of the workshops and the market consultation can be accessed via the button below.
Based on the information obtained during the workshops and the market consultation, AquaFlanders and VITO Kennispunt Water are currently working out a tender. Subsequently, the selected companies can start working with existing data to detect leaks.
On this page, we will keep you updated on further steps we take in this regard.
Will You Step Aboard?
You too can be part of the NRW ecosystem.
- Co-create for More Impact: design and develop innovative algorithms using both direct and indirect data. These algorithms not only reduce the share of Non-Revenue Water but also create new business opportunities for all parties involved.
- Exchange Knowledge: collaborate with water industry experts, researchers, and tech pioneers to shape the future of leak detection and localisation.
- Make Our Water Sector More Sustainable:
contribute to more efficient water management, a future-proof drinking water supply, and budget-neutral solutions.
Join the NRW Ecosystem
Interested? Let us know via nrwecosystem@dewatergroep.be.
The NRW ecosystem is open to professionals in the water sector, researchers, technology companies, and consultants with expertise in data-driven solutions and/or solutions to reduce water losses.
