European water management solutions provider, Smartvatten, has released a new report showing the full extent of water leaks in both commercial and residential buildings. Using data from 20,000 properties and 200,000 apartments in 36 countries, the report highlights both the prevalence and damage potential of water leaks, while showing the correlation between this problem, water scarcity and price hikes.

Smartvatten’s data shows that almost 52 per cent of surveyed residential buildings experienced one leak per month in 2023. For commercial buildings, one third faced a monthly leak, but the size of the leak was 3.4 times larger than that in residential buildings. At the same time, water prices have risen between three and eight per cent and, in some areas in Europe, by over 20 per cent due to factors like water scarcity and aging infrastructure.

“The foundation of effective water management is a consistent and reliable database,” says Karl Jepsson, chief product & development officer at Smartvatten. “Unfortunately, many building operators struggle with low data quality and different metering systems, which limits insights into water consumption. Most water meters are read manually or semi-automatically, often monthly, quarterly or annually, leading to low data validity. Therefore, intelligent, remotely readable, and water meter-independent consumption monitoring is crucial,”

According to the European Commission, buildings are responsible for about 40 per cent of energy consumption in the EU. Providing water for daily use – from cleaning to heating to waste treatment – is energy intensive and consumes twelve per cent of the total electricity generation. Addressing the use of water in the real estate sector is also vital for combating water scarcity, as water plays an essential role in construction, renovation, and real estate management beyond serving the tenants.

The author of the report notes that real estate owners and investors should be aware that detecting leakages early can prevent damage to already-aged infrastructure and property, potentially saving them hundreds of thousands of euros in restoration costs.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of leaks: aging infrastructure, corrosion, faulty installation, and environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and soil movement can weaken pipes and plumbing fixtures over time. Additionally, high water pressure can put excessive stress on pipes, increasing the likelihood of leaks. With extreme weather conditions causing both drought and flooding, old infrastructure is put under pressure it won’t likely withstand.

For the full report, click here: Smartvatten_Annual_water_report_2024_EN.pdf

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