Toward Smarter Water Loss Management: Application of a Digital-Twin-Based Method for Leakage Localization †

Leakage localization in water distribution networks (WDN) is crucial for reducing water losses, conserving energy, and improving system efficiency. This work presents the application of an integrated approach for leakage localization, relying on sub-daily pressure and inflow data, water-consumption data obtained by means of smart meters, and the WDN digital twin. Observed and simulated pressure data are iteratively compared across multiple leakage scenarios to identify the spatial distribution that minimizes discrepancies, thus pinpointing likely leakage areas. The approach was tested on a real-world WDN where about one-third of users are equipped with smart meters. Results demonstrated its effectiveness in accurately localizing leakages and supporting prompt, targeted repairs.