Water systems are the lifelines of cities, yet leaks and inefficiencies cost billions of gallons every year. Smart sensors are helping governments detect problems early and optimize management of this vital resource. A recent case study shows how these small devices can deliver outsized impact.

By installing sensors throughout its network, one city was able to track pressure and flow in real time. Leaks that once took weeks to detect were flagged within hours, allowing crews to respond immediately. This reduced water loss, saved money, and extended the life of aging infrastructure.

As climate change intensifies, cities must become more resilient in managing water. Smart sensors offer an affordable way to gain visibility into a system that is often hidden underground. They are proof that innovation doesn’t always require massive new projects — sometimes it’s about making existing systems smarter.