A Smart Fix for America’s Leaky Pipes

Phoenix-Badger partnership cuts water loss below 3 percent, offering a model for utility efficiency

6 Jun 2025

Water utilities in America often lose nearly a third of their supply before it reaches customers. In Arizona, a partnership between Phoenix Water Solutions and Badger Meter claims to have cut those losses to less than 3 percent. Their method relies on simple logic: use technology to find problems early and fix them fast.

Phoenix Water Solutions, which manages water for apartment blocks and commercial properties, has installed Badger Meter’s monitoring system. It provides real-time data, instant leak alerts and automated reports. This lets managers respond quickly to problems and bill customers more accurately, reducing the need for manual checks.

The figures are striking. Water loss is down to less than 3 percent, well below the national average, and billing accuracy exceeds 98 percent. “Less wasted water, greater transparency, and faster returns,” says a spokesperson for Phoenix Water Solutions. The system’s cost is expected to be recouped within 18 months.

As drought risks rise and regulations tighten, utilities are looking for ways to improve efficiency. Analysts say the Phoenix-Badger model offers a practical example of reducing waste without resorting to expensive infrastructure replacements.

Challenges remain. Smart systems introduce cybersecurity concerns, and upfront costs can deter some utilities. Yet the early results in Phoenix suggest that data and automation can cut losses and pay for themselves. In a country where ageing pipes cause billions in losses, that is a hopeful sign.