This article was originally published in the August 2025 issue of Vandteknologi, a Danish Business Review publication. Nickey Jørgensen, of Danish Water Innovation approved the following English translation generated by ChatGPT5.
Denmark is known for having one of the world’s most reliable water supplies. Every day, we turn on the tap and take clean drinking water for granted. Yet beneath our feet runs a vast network of aging pipes. As these systems wear down, leaks occur—often invisible from the surface. Detecting and repairing them is both technically demanding and essential to maintaining supply security.
The role of Danish Water Innovation
This is where Danish Water Innovation plays a vital role. The company was founded with a clear mission: to reduce water loss—known as Non-Revenue Water—and protect critical infrastructure. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, average water loss in Denmark is 7.8%. While this figure is far lower than the 30–60% common in many other countries, even small percentages matter when dealing with one of society’s most precious and limited resources.
Small utilities, big challenges
“Denmark has about 2,500 waterworks, and many of them are run by just a chairperson, a deputy, and maybe an operations manager. They aren’t trained in leak detection, so they usually call us if they’re facing major water loss,” explains Nickey Jørgensen, co-founder of Danish Water Innovation.
The company doesn’t handle digging or repairs itself. Instead, it locates leaks, marks them, and equips waterworks with the knowledge to take over. “We show them the methods and demonstrate how initial leak detection can be done once they have the right equipment,” Jørgensen says.
In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly. While the classic listening rod remains indispensable, digital solutions now allow leaks to be pinpointed with impressive accuracy. “We work with a Canadian software company that combines water meter data, pump monitoring, and consumption behavior. Using AI and machine learning, the system can locate leaks with up to 97% accuracy. Combined with hydrophones in the water mains, leaks can be detected online, in real time,” says Jørgensen.
These innovations, he adds, are shifting the focus from leak detection to leak monitoring, a proactive approach critical for large utilities and facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, airports, and military bases. Yet, he emphasizes, “manual expertise remains essential. Power failures or network errors can make intelligent systems vulnerable, so practical know-how is still decisive.”
Overcoming financial barriers
For smaller waterworks, cost is often the biggest obstacle. Specialized leak detection equipment can run into hundreds of thousands of kroner and requires regular updates.
To address this, Danish Water Innovation has introduced the Emergency and Preparedness Package—a subscription service that gives utilities access to critical equipment whenever it’s needed. “It’s like an insurance policy. You hope you won’t need it, but knowing it’s available provides huge reassurance,” says Jørgensen.
The company also offers an annual proactive inspection program, where equipment is used to carry out systematic leak detection. The first visit includes an operator who trains staff in its use, ensuring the knowledge stays in-house.
Training is further supported through the company’s Leak Academy in Hørsholm, a dedicated center combining classroom learning with outdoor test facilities. “Here, professionals can try methods in practice, which helps them see how simple it can be with the right tools,” says Jørgensen.
Drinking water as critical infrastructure
Reducing water loss isn’t just an economic issue—it’s also about security. Drinking water is classified by the EU as critical infrastructure. An interruption lasting just a week could cause disease outbreaks and overwhelm the healthcare system.
“In conflicts, we’ve seen how attacks on water supplies can force populations to flee. Without water, an area becomes uninhabitable. That’s why preparedness and leak detection are so vital,” Jørgensen stresses.
To strengthen resilience, Danish Water Innovation provides a full package of services—consulting, training, equipment sales, online solutions, and specialist expertise. The company also helps authorities, municipalities, and utilities develop emergency plans and local contingency measures.
Denmark as a role model
Globally, water loss typically averages 30–40%, compared to Denmark’s 7%. This achievement reflects decades of regulation, technology, and a cultural commitment to valuing water as a resource.
Still, the work is far from over. “We’re ahead of many of our neighbors, but we must remain proactive and continue investing in technology and training if we want to maintain our leadership position,” Jørgensen warns.
The urgency will only grow with climate change, rising energy prices, new threats, and stricter EU requirements. Danish Water Innovation is betting on a combination of cutting-edge technology, flexible access to equipment, and specialized training. The goal: to give utilities of all sizes—as well as municipalities, authorities, and even private homeowners—the tools and knowledge they need to protect Denmark’s critical water infrastructure.
As Jørgensen concludes:
“Water is not just a prerequisite for daily life. It is a prerequisite for life itself.”
Danish Water Innovation is our Distribution Partner in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.