By CN
Every March 22, the celebration of World Water Day remembers that this natural asset has woven together human history throughout time and allowed the advancement of cultures. And, also, that access to a supply and sanitation service of the highest quality constitutes the first step of health and progress. And that efficient water management is an essential condition for human development. In the 21st century, technology and the experience of management companies must ensure that any citizen, regardless of their geographical location, receives a service of the same quality.
For Aqualia, entering new markets not only implies the deployment of networks and infrastructure, but also the commitment to extend this “blue thread” so that equal opportunities are a reality in all territories. Currently, this responsibility reaches 44.9 million citizens in 19 countries on four continents.
The presence of leading companies in water management, with advanced operating models and expert teams, translates into knowledge transfer and democratization of access to a vital resource. In parallel, technology and digitalization applied in water management function as levers for the progress of societies and their territories.
During 2025, Aqualia produced 1,157 million m³ of drinking water and 1,550 million m³ of purified wastewater, water suitable for being returned to nature. In energy terms, 44.76% of the energy consumed by the company came from renewable sources, advancing its roadmap to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Digitize water to preserve it
Innovation is the decisive support for progress in water management. In 2025, the company invested more than 13.5 million euros in digital transformation, adding almost 50 million in the last three years. This commitment allows the integration of advanced technologies through the Aqualia Live ecosystem. By using Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, the company optimizes operational efficiency, predicts demand and detects leaks early. The impact on the user is direct: more than 855,000 smart meters already operate, allowing citizens to monitor their consumption in real time and encourage savings.
According to the XVIII Study by the Spanish Urban Water Association (DAQUAS), remote reading in Spain has tripled in four years and now reaches 43% of the meter fleet. This technological evolution has allowed Non-Registered Water (ANR) to fall to a historic low of 19%, relevant in the fight against water losses in distribution networks.
However, DAQUAS estimates that the sector in Spain requires an annual investment of 350 million euros to address real losses. The report warns that the current pace of infrastructure renewal (0.2%) is insufficient, far from the 2% necessary to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the system.
Global guarantee with local impact
Aqualia applies international standards to obtain local results, which guarantees continuous improvement in its areas of operation. This is reflected in the expansion of its ISO certifications in quality and environment. While health and safety operations have been certified in France and Mexico, in Colombia the well-being of human capital has been reinforced in key contracts. For its part, in Saudi Arabia, the Qassim Central Laboratory has obtained ISO 17025 accreditation, and the North and South clusters have strengthened their management systems.
With a structure of more than 14,200 professionals, the company works to make water an equal right. This impact often transcends technical management: in Colombia, more than 100 social actions have been promoted; in Georgia, access to water is ensured in nursing homes and children’s homes; and in the Czech Republic, the “Rowing together” program has financed 170 local projects
proposed by employees. Likewise, equity mechanisms, such as social bonuses and rates, benefit more than 3.5 million customers worldwide.
The public-private collaboration links Aqualia with 42 universities and 23 research centers. This innovation ecosystem, together with leadership in initiatives such as the StepbyWater alliance, places the company at the center of a multi-sector collaboration framework.
The ultimate goal is to transform challenges into well-being and growth opportunities. Keeping the blue thread alive means ensuring that progress reaches all territories equally, consolidating water as a universal right that unites and drives the entire society equally.