en.Wedoany.com Reported - The EU is driving the digital transformation of the water sector, with smart meters increasingly recognized as strategic data assets. In May, Brussels launched a public consultation inviting stakeholders across the water industry to advance digitalization at various levels, focusing on key areas such as smart meter and sensor deployment to improve water management across the EU.
Digital transformation is rapidly moving from vision to reality. Last year, the European Investment Bank announced a plan to invest €15 billion in water-related projects between 2025 and 2027. The EU has classified water as a strategic infrastructure category and included it among the five priorities for the reallocation of €34.6 billion in cohesion policy funds. Approximately €3.1 billion has already been reallocated to water resilience projects in 16 member states. The Spanish government estimates that PERTE has generated over €1.2 billion in investments in Spain.
For decades, water supply network management has followed an event-driven, reactive approach. Today, digital transformation and advanced data analytics provide sufficient information to understand and interpret consumption patterns, water demand behaviors, and performance indicators. Humberto Morales, Head of the Drinking Water Supply Division at Xylem Vue, points out that utilities are moving toward a fundamental principle: what cannot be measured cannot be managed. Smart metering represents not only a new generation of devices but also the ultimate embodiment of the strategic value of data and digital transformation.
According to Humberto Morales, water meters have long ceased to be mere billing tools. Today, they play a strategic role in daily management, providing real-time visibility, supporting predictive demand forecasting, and enabling early anomaly detection. The shift from four or six readings per year to 8,760 hourly readings represents a paradigm shift in water management. Xylem Vue states that the availability of continuous real-time information has enabled proactive anticipation and driven a transition toward more proactive and efficient models to better address the new challenges facing the water sector. Jaime Barba, CEO of Idrica and General Manager of Xylem Vue, notes that these new challenges are not only technical but also organizational and generational.
Advancing digital transformation is one of the goals set by Brussels, enabling utilities to listen to the "voice" of their water networks. Traditionally, water networks have been used to transport water from multiple production points to end users. Today, these systems not only distribute water but also carry information. Every smart meter or pressure sensor installed in the network contributes to building a more comprehensive system view. Networks are no longer just physical infrastructure; they are also sources of knowledge. This knowledge is crucial for managing a vital resource increasingly affected by climate uncertainty, regulatory pressures, and aging infrastructure.
This year is pivotal for advancing this profound transformation. Brussels' initiatives have placed the spotlight on the value of data. Organizations that can incorporate data as a strategic asset are better equipped not only to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain environment but also to make more informed decisions. Humberto Morales, Head of the Drinking Water Supply Division at Xylem Vue, states that organizations that stand out are those that not only have more information but can also translate that information into better decisions and more effective operations.
Xylem Vue is a secure, integrated, and vendor-agnostic analytics and software platform capable of capturing data from any source, including legacy solutions. The platform enables water utilities to maximize their investment in existing technologies while further advancing their digital journey, breaking down data silos and providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the system. Xylem Vue offers a broad portfolio of modular applications, helping water utilities unlock the true power of data to efficiently address the most pressing water cycle challenges.
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