Digital technology is transforming Europe’s water management systems, offering innovative solutions like real-time monitoring, leak detection, and smart irrigation. By using technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), water loss in EU networks—currently at 23%—could be significantly reduced. EU-funded projects under the ICT4Water Cluster are leading these advancements, enabling water systems to be managed more efficiently through digital twins, blockchain, and cloud computing, with the potential to reduce leaks by 30% and improve sewer system performance.
However, this digital revolution brings its own environmental challenges. Data centres, essential for supporting the growing number of online devices, require massive quantities of water for cooling. Estimates suggest that a single data centre can use anywhere from 68,000 to 1.7 million litres of water daily. Additionally, the production of car batteries and hydrogen—a key component in the green transition—consumes vast amounts of water. For instance, manufacturing a single car battery demands approximately 26,000 litres of water.
Efforts to mitigate these impacts are underway. Solutions include adopting efficient cooling technologies for data centres, using reclaimed or non-potable water, and exploring circular water systems. The new EU Battery Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act also aim to reduce the environmental effects of battery production by promoting sustainable practices.
While digital technology offers significant benefits for water management, it remains a resource-intensive sector. The ongoing challenge is finding a balance between technological advancement and water sustainability, ensuring that the future of both the digital and green transitions is truly sustainable.
More info: https://www.euronews.com/embed/2622726
