Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Bangalore Water Board Uses AI to Combat Massive Water Leakage
Imagine your city's water pipes are like old straws that often leak.
The water company in Bangalore is losing a lot of water because of these leaks, which is like losing money!
So, they've decided to use smart computers called AI, like a super-detective, to find these leaks faster.
They are also using robots with special tools to listen for leaks.
Plus, they are replacing the oldest, leaky pipes and have a new app to catch people who might be stealing water.
This all helps save water and money for the city.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is adopting AI to detect and prevent water leakage.
The city's Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is estimated to be around 30%, leading to significant financial losses.
BWSSB plans to use AI-powered robots with sensors to monitor water flow and pressure for leak identification.
A ₹10.35 crore project is underway to upgrade aging pipelines in specific city areas, with an overall estimated cost of ₹8,000 crore for modernization.
A new 'BWSSB Survey App' has been launched to identify illegal water connections.
- Who
- Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)
- What
- Implementing AI technology and infrastructure upgrades to detect and curb massive water leakage.
- When
- Ongoing, with AI integration as part of modernization efforts and pipeline upgrades underway.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India, across 580 sq. km covering 1.15 million water connections.
- Why
- To reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), minimize financial losses from leakage, improve water management efficiency, and meet national standards.
Pro-AI Integration
Concerns/Challenges
Effectiveness of AI in Leak Detection
Pro-AI Integration
AI-powered robots with sensors can analyze flow and pressure patterns to identify potential leak points before water reaches consumers, saving significant quantities and reducing operational costs.
Concerns/Challenges
While AI is being explored, the article highlights existing issues like aging infrastructure and the temporary increase in leakage due to new projects, suggesting AI is part of a broader, complex solution.
Modernization Efforts
Pro-AI Integration
AI integration is part of a broader effort to modernize water infrastructure across 580 sq. km, including robotic leak detection and real-time water quality monitoring.
Concerns/Challenges
Significant portions of the city rely on pipelines laid 40-50 years ago, necessitating phase-wise replacement and reconstruction projects costing crores, indicating that technological solutions must be paired with substantial physical upgrades.
- Current Non-Revenue Water (NRW)
- Around 30%
- Target NRW (CPHEEO Standard)
- Not exceeding 15%
- Cost per Kilolitre Supplied
- ₹48
- Estimated Cost for Pipeline Replacement and Reservoir Rehabilitation
- Around ₹8,000 crore
- Areas Undergoing Pipeline Upgrade
- Hale Gurappanapalya, Nagendra Block, NIMHANS Layout, and KEB Layout
- Cost of Specific Upgrade Project
- ₹10.35 crore
- App Launched for Illegal Connections
- BWSSB Survey App