Czechia is battling drinking water losses: Pipes are aging and repairs are slow
The Czech Republic is currently facing a significant problem in the field of water management. A large amount of drinking water is leaking from water mains across the country and never reaches consumers. According to current data, approximately every seventh liter of water is lost, which represents a significant waste of a precious natural resource.
The main cause of these losses is the poor technical condition of the pipelines. The water supply network in the Czech Republic is very extensive, measuring more than 75,000 kilometers. Many sections are old and are gradually succumbing to corrosion or mechanical damage, which leads to frequent accidents and water leaks into the soil.
However, according to experts, the pace of repairs and modernization of the network is insufficient. Each year, only 0.41% of the total length of the water mains is renewed, which corresponds to roughly 309 kilometers. At this rate, it would take a very long time to replace all the obsolete pipes with new and safer ones.
Experts therefore emphasize that a wider use of modern technologies could be the solution. Thanks to smart sensors and new diagnostic methods, water utilities can detect hidden leaks much faster and more efficiently. Investments in these technologies could help reduce water losses and ensure more sustainable water resource management in the coming years.