Drinking water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. Climate change, extensive agriculture and rapid urbanisation are leading to water crises. Illegal house connections, uncontrolled use of wells or boreholes, and connections without consumption metering are just some of the consequences. Nevertheless, up to 50 percent of the water in drinking water networks is still lost in many cities and conurbations worldwide.

Insufficient pressure or leaky pipes on the one hand and temporary supply interruptions on the other are major causes of water contamination in supply pipes. A lack of operational and maintenance expertise on the part of staff and often unsuitable water tariff systems are further challenges of the 21st century. It is therefore necessary to break new ground and implement state-of-the-art solutions.