Amazon has teamed up with Aganova, a leader in water technology, to tackle one of Italy’s pressing issues: water loss through leaks in the Bergamo area. By employing advanced acoustic leak detection technology enhanced by artificial intelligence, this collaboration aims to significantly reduce water waste over the next decade.
The initiative harnesses AWS cloud services to pinpoint and repair leaks in the extensive water supply network managed by Uniacque, the primary water utility in the region. It’s estimated that this project will conserve 200 million liters of water annually—equivalent to 80 Olympic swimming pools or enough water for approximately 1,300 families each year. The positive impact will be measured using the Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting methodology, ensuring ongoing monitoring and clear accountability over a ten-year period.
Water waste is a serious concern in Italy, with official statistics indicating that over 40% of water introduced into public distribution networks is lost due to leaks, ranking among the highest rates in Europe. Uniacque is dedicated to addressing this challenge, recognizing the critical need for ongoing detection and repair efforts.
Pierangelo Bertocchi, CEO of Uniacque S.p.A, emphasized the commitment to innovation, stating, “Uniacque is strongly committed to developing innovative technological solutions to optimize water efficiency and generate a positive and sustainable impact on the territory and communities.” He believes that the partnership with Aganova and AWS is crucial for preventing potable water loss through proactive monitoring.
Marcos Barrera, CEO of Aganova, added, “This new project in Bergamo represents an important confirmation of the impact that advanced acoustic leak detection combined with cloud-based artificial intelligence can have in addressing one of the world’s most critical challenges: water dispersion.” He highlighted the ability of real-time data and precise diagnostics to facilitate quicker, more informed decision-making for utilities like Uniacque, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing water loss.
Uniacque will utilize Aganova’s AI-powered system, which hosts data on AWS. This system allows for precise and rapid localization of leaks. By continuously monitoring water flow and analyzing real-time data through machine learning algorithms, the technology identifies anomalies indicative of leaks and provides timely geographic data that enables efficient repair interventions.
Sergio Gianotti, Head of AWS Italy Public Sector, noted, “Water dispersion due to aging infrastructure represents a crucial challenge for communities in Italy and worldwide.” With the combination of Aganova’s cutting-edge leak detection technology and AWS cloud computing capabilities, the project aims to help water service providers detect and address leaks more efficiently, preserving valuable water resources.
This initiative aligns with Amazon’s commitment to supporting water conservation efforts in Italy and mirrors similar projects the company has undertaken globally, such as one in São Paulo, Brazil. The Brazilian program, active since 2025, focuses on inspecting roughly 64 kilometers of large-diameter pipes, aiming to save around 210 million liters of water annually.
Furthermore, AWS has made a bold commitment to become water positive by 2030, planning to replenish more water than it consumes in its operational activities. As of late 2024, the company had already achieved 53% of this goal. AWS’s strategy revolves around three pillars: improving water efficiency, repurposing water (particularly recycled water for cooling), and supporting water replenishment initiatives. Projects like the one in Bergamo contribute to the replenishment of local water resources through infrastructure improvements and technological solutions designed to mitigate water loss.
Overall, this collaboration not only promises substantial water savings but also offers a roadmap for small business owners to consider how technology can resolve environmental challenges. For entrepreneurs looking to innovate in sustainability, engaging in partnerships and adopting digital solutions similar to those being deployed in Bergamo might be an avenue worth exploring.
The original press release can be accessed here.
Image Via BizSugar
