Australia’s path to smarter, intelligence-driven water operations

Australia’s water utilities are grappling with rising climate volatility, ageing infrastructure and persistent blind spots in network performance. As extreme weather events place greater pressure on already stretched systems, access to reliable, frequent data is becoming critical for reducing water loss, improving asset management and building long-term resilience.

Here, Itron Vice President of Devices Product Management Apurv Johari discusses pressing water management challenges while outlining how data centric water solutions can position utilities for climate resilience.

Q: What are the main barriers to accurate water-loss assessment and effective leak detection across Australian water networks?
A: Insufficient data limits the visibility Australian utilities need to effectively manage water loss and detect leaks across their distribution systems.

For example, a utility may see bursts from pressure fluctuations but is unaware if aging pipes or pump settings are to blame. The disconnection between service complaints, usage patterns and sensor alerts leaves customer operations teams guessing. And with less visibility into network performance, utilities struggle not only to respond quickly but also to anticipate future issues.

Q: How do smart water metering and IoT sensing technologies improve the assessment of network performance?
A: Utilities must adopt a holistic approach that treats data as a strategic asset. Smart meters and sensors capture information across the distribution network, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with remotely enabled endpoints can transmit that data to a central system as frequently as every 15 minutes. With this level of visibility, operators can identify water loss, monitor consumption patterns, and identify potential meter tampering.

An interoperable solution can maximise performance by unifying data from multiple sources regardless of the device manufacturer. Itron’s objective is to develop modules that simplify deployment and integrate with existing metering infrastructure, leading to quicker deployment schedules and lower costs.

Q: What role do analytics and predictive maintenance play in managing aging water infrastructure?
A: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning help utilities forecast where and when infrastructure is likely to fail. Analysis of historical and current data helps detect faults and implement predictive maintenance programs. Predictive maintenance allows utilities to prioritise the riskiest assets, schedule repairs before failure, and avoid the high costs of emergency response.

Q: How does a data-driven approach support climate-resilient water management under extreme and variable conditions?
A: In 2023, Victoria saw water availability fall by more than 28,000 gigalitres, which exemplifies how quickly climate impacts can escalate. Reliable and frequent data can help utilities anticipate and respond quickly to rapidly changing conditions.

Even in extreme heat and direct sunlight, durable meters deliver accurate data. Itron’s solid‑state meters are engineered to withstand variable climates and maintain continuous data collection during intermittent water supply. With a 15‑year battery life, they offer a reliable, cost-effective, sustainable solution for Australia’s variable conditions.

Q: What role does customer data play in improving network efficiency and water conservation?
A: For utilities, key data identifies leaks, improves billing accuracy and enhances customer support – improving overall operational efficiency. For customers, consumption data encourages water conservation. Together, engaged customers and better network visibility help build a more resilient water system for Australia as climate conditions continue to change.

At a time when every drop counts, adopting a data centric operating model is not just strategic, it’s essential for securing Australia’s water future.

Learn more about Itron’s climate-resilient solutions here.