“Water is life.” This simple statement captures the importance of this finite, natural resource.

Extreme weather conditions, droughts and wildfires combined with increasing populations and rising sea levels – which are all characteristics of climate disruption – are taxing our freshwater systems. Today, as we celebrate World Water Day and the theme “Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible,” it is increasingly important to look at how we can conserve and manage our resources.

Groundwater contained in aquifers is an important source of fresh drinking water, yet water shortages are becoming more common. Just last year, Lake Mead, the critical reservoir that feeds the Colorado River hit a serious low; Californians faced state mandates to reduce water consumption and cities around the world from South Africa to Brazil to Iraq experienced acute water deficiencies. As demand grows, we can only expect to see more areas and consumers affected.

Itron is taking steps to help combat water loss within the distribution system, reducing waste and optimizing overall performance. Through advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions, utilities and consumers have greater insights into where there are leaks or excess use. Think about it – most of us have had a drip in a kitchen sink or a toilet that will run occasionally. These little leaks quickly add up into significant water loss – and an expensive one for individuals. If consumers knew about the problem and the impact it has on the environment and their monthly bills, they may be motivated to fix these issues quicker.

The same is true for utilities. Building or replacing aging infrastructure is a significant and costly project that can take decades to complete. Digging up pipes to find leaks is not an ideal method of inspection either. Fortunately, thanks to data and technology, utilities can quickly determine where issues are so that water can be recovered and brought to the consumer. In the case of California, more than 97 billion gallons of water are lost by water utilities through leaks in the distribution system. However, Itron believes that 27 billion gallons can be recovered – an impact to 850,000 households – through proactive monitoring. By adding intelligence technology to water infrastructure, these results can be duplicated in across multiple utilities, thus significantly helping in the conservation of water.

Leak detection sensors and intelligent monitoring technology is already helping the largest private water supplier in Brazil. The agency had been experiencing up to 47% non-revenue-water loss and problems with pressure in hilly terrain. Leaks underground were going undetected until customers complained. By introducing pressure detection and sensor technologies, the utility has the data to better identify where leaks are occurring for proactive repairs before customers are affected – and ultimately resolving upwards of 80% of their loss.