• Carlos Campos is the Chairman of the Board at Aganova, a pioneering company in technological solutions for water management, specializing in leak detection and pipeline condition assessment. Today, he shares his insights on the main challenges facing the water sector and Aganova’s role in driving innovative solutions to address these global issues.

With over 25 years of experience in the water industry, Carlos Campos has established himself as a leader in integrating technology and new business models into water management. During his extensive career at SUEZ, a global leader in water infrastructure and services, he held executive roles focused on the development of advanced digital solutions and the creation of scalable business models in international markets.

As Chairman of the Board since 2023, Carlos applies his expertise, sector knowledge, and strategic vision to drive the growth of Aganova. The company develops cutting-edge technological solutions designed to address the challenges of sustainable water management in a world increasingly affected by water scarcity, climate change, and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

In this conversation, Carlos explores key issues in the water sector, including droughts, sustainability, Water Positive initiatives, and water replenishment projects, highlighting the role Aganova can play in tackling these global challenges.

How can Aganova help mitigate the effects of drought through leak detection and improved water use efficiency?

C: The droughts we are experiencing in many regions are a direct consequence of rising temperatures and climate change. In many areas of the world, we have—and will continue to have—less water available to serve a growing population. Therefore, we must maximize water efficiency throughout the entire process—from collection and production to distribution for households, industries, and agriculture—ensuring that we lose little to no water along the way.

Aganova provides part of the solution to this challenge by detecting and diagnosing water losses within pipeline infrastructure. Identifying leaks is not only crucial for conserving a valuable resource but also for preventing the waste of treated water that has required energy to be processed and transported. This dual benefit enhances sustainability and efficiency in water use.

From your perspective, what role should connected technologies play in sustainable water management in regions affected by water scarcity?

: There is a saying in Spanish: “The need favor mastering the solution.” The most advanced companies in sustainable water use are those operating in water-stressed regions. The first step they have taken is understanding demand—where and how much water is needed—so they can adjust supply and implement tariff policies that encourage more sustainable use.

This is being achieved through smart metering technology, which is seeing widespread adoption in municipal water management and is also being extended to agricultural and industrial water use.

How do you assess the adoption of digital technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence in transforming the sector?

C: The water sector is not known for rapid adoption of new technologies. On average, it takes about 10 years for a technology to be validated and widely implemented. One of the reasons for this slow adoption is that the added value does not always translate into higher prices for customers.

IoT and AI have been gradually introduced over the past decade, and we are now seeing a maturing market, with increased demand for these solutions in many countries. This is fostering the development of a dedicated water-tech market that is attracting significant investor interest.

What initiatives should be prioritized to achieve sustainable water management aligned with Net Zero objectives?

C: Net Zero refers to achieving zero or neutral energy consumption throughout the entire water value chain, from sourcing and treatment to distribution. To reach this goal, we must focus on the three “R’s”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce inefficient energy consumption by replacing outdated equipment.

Reuse energy within operational processes by optimizing system performance. Recycle energy generated in one process to power another adjacent system. These strategies are already being implemented in the water sector, and some plants are nearing Net Zero energy consumption.

In your opinion, how can the Water Positive philosophy transform the way businesses interact with water resources?

C: Water Positive is a concept that has emerged in recent years to define the commitment of various water stakeholders (cities, industries, agriculture) to ensuring that their activities do not result in net water consumption. This means that after water is used, it is returned to the cycle in a condition that allows it to be reused locally.

Essentially, it replicates the long water cycle on a smaller scale—what I like to call the short water cycle. Just as companies have embraced energy transition strategies, they are now moving toward a water transition, adopting more sustainable production methods that do not compromise future water availability.

We are already seeing major water-intensive industries, from food & beverage to data centers, implementing Water Positive or water efficiency plans, particularly in regions where water resources are scarce.

What opportunities do you see for Aganova to engage in water replenishment projects?

C: Replenishment projects offer a unique opportunity for companies like Aganova, whose value proposition is based on improving water efficiency.

Industries define Water Replenishment Projects as any initiative that increases the overall water availability in the regions where they operate—whether by reducing consumption, minimizing losses, or regenerating water resources. Any industry aiming to generate or replenish water can begin with the most accessible step: assisting local water utilities in detecting leaks, where up to 40% of the resource can be lost.

Aganova is already involved in several replenishment projects, generating significant value for the industrial sector.

What are the most promising technological trends for integrated water cycle management in the coming years?

C: Among the various technological advancements impacting our sector, I would highlight three key areas:

• Connectivity (IoT) – IoT enables us to collect vast amounts of operational data (such as consumption and pressure) from numerous points that were previously inaccessible, as seen with smart metering.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI allows us to detect real-time events and predict future behaviors, enabling real-time infrastructure management with untapped potential.
• Advanced Materials – New materials will facilitate precise removal of specific contaminants, such as PFAS, advancing water treatment technologies.

What strategic challenges should Aganova prioritize to establish itself as a leader in the sector?

C: Aganova provides high-tech solutions to water service operators. Its advanced robotics capture extensive data—not only to detect leaks and estimate their volumes but also to assess pipeline conditions.

All this data must be delivered to clients in an accessible way to enable swift and effective decision-making. Recognizing the digital challenge, Aganova is actively working on optimizing data analytics to enhance its clients’ asset management systems.

What are the key challenges in water distribution networks today, and what steps should be taken to improve their efficiency and sustainability?

C: The main challenge for drinking water networks is the investment required for their renewal. In the vast majority of networks, the renewal rate is below 5% per year, meaning that, theoretically, it would take almost 100 years to fully replace a network. In this context, it is essential to adopt a smart renewal approach, where we prioritize the replacement of pipes whose deterioration has the greatest impact on service indicators. To achieve this, technology such as Aganova is needed, enabling condition assessments and preventive maintenance.

Nautilus is an in-line tool that has proven effective in pipeline inspection. Could you explain how this technology is transforming water infrastructure management and what advantages it offers over traditional methods?

Potable water networks—especially large-scale transmission pipelines—are extensive linear assets that stretch over vast areas. This geographic dispersion makes real-time structural monitoring costly and complex.

Compared to traditional fixed monitoring techniques, Nautilus provides greater flexibility in terms of where and when inspections can be conducted. Additionally, its advanced positioning technology allows for precise leak localization, helping to avoid unnecessary excavation costs.

In conclusion, Carlos Campos highlights how digital and connected technologies, such as IoT and artificial intelligence, are transforming water management by providing more efficient and accurate tools for leak detection, network monitoring, and resource optimization. These advancements are essential for ensuring a secure and sustainable water supply, especially during periods of drought.

In this context, Aganova stands out as a key player, offering cutting-edge solutions to improve water management and promote sustainability.