BWSSB to Deploy AI and Robotic Technology to Curb Water Theft, Leakages and Revenue Losses in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 1: The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to adopt advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotic technologies to tackle water theft, pipeline leakages and non-revenue water losses across the city as part of its efforts to strengthen urban water management and improve operational efficiency.
The initiative forms part of a year-long pilot study aimed at identifying water leakages, reducing unaccounted-for water (UFW) and minimizing non-revenue water (NRW), which continue to pose significant challenges to Bengaluru’s water distribution network.
According to BWSSB, the project will be implemented at no financial cost to the utility. The board will only undertake essential civil works such as excavation, repair and replacement of damaged pipelines wherever required.
Under the proposed system, AI-driven predictive analytics will be used to identify vulnerable sections of the water distribution network and detect areas that are at a higher risk of leakage or failure. The technology is expected to help officials proactively address issues before they result in major water losses.
In addition, robotic inspection systems will be deployed inside water pipelines to assess their internal condition, identify defects and generate detailed diagnostic information without disrupting regular water supply operations.
Another key component of the project involves the use of advanced acoustic monitoring technology, which can accurately pinpoint underground leak locations through sound-wave analysis without the need for extensive excavation. This is expected to significantly reduce repair time, operational costs and water wastage.
BWSSB officials said the integrated technology platform will enable continuous monitoring of water supply networks, meter performance, consumption patterns and leakage-related losses. The data generated through the system will help improve operational efficiency, increase revenue collection and support evidence-based decision-making.
The water board has also decided to open its infrastructure as a testing platform for innovative technology solutions that can address urban water challenges. Officials believe that data-driven scientific approaches and digital workflows have the potential to transform water management practices in Bengaluru.
Priority zones for the pilot project will be identified shortly, following which preliminary surveys and field assessments will be undertaken.
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasat Manohar V. said the primary objective of the initiative is to reduce financial losses caused by water theft and leakages while also preventing contamination arising from defects in the pipeline network.
He said the adoption of emerging technologies would help create a more efficient, accountable and sustainable water distribution system for Bengaluru while supporting the city’s long-term water security goals.
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