Serving 3.7 million customers in Berlin, Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB) is Germany’s largest water utility company. The organisation plays a critical role in advancing smart city initiatives within the region by pioneering the use of IoT-enabled smart water management systems. As a key partner within InfraLab Berlin, BWB leverages sensor technology to proactively monitor water quality throughout the city’s network. This includes real-time leak detection, a vital service for managing Berlin’s ageing sewer infrastructure and preventing water wastage.
Such data-driven approaches are essential for improving the efficiency and sustainability of urban water management across Europe. BWB is currently investing in the development of digital twins of Berlin’s complex water network. This advanced technology will provide enhanced modelling and predictive capabilities, enabling more informed decision-making regarding infrastructure maintenance, resource allocation, and overall network resilience. With a substantial workforce, BWB is actively contributing to the digital transformation of essential urban services, offering a tangible example of how technology can be harnessed to improve the quality of life for citizens in a sustainable and resilient manner. Their work serves as a valuable case study for other European cities looking to modernise their water infrastructure.