KEY HIGHLIGHTS
In this case study, we show how Flowless helped SAAE Volta Redonda use real-time pressure data to reduce daily water losses and improve operational efficiency in one of its most leak-prone zones.
- Leak insights led to targeted pressure adjustments.
- Real-time pressure data helps detect and prevent invisible water loss.
- Results achieved by the utility’s own team, with no new hires or replacements.
BRIEF OVERVIEW
Towards the end of 2024, we partnered with the water utility in Volta Redonda, Brazil to help address rising water losses in one of their most problematic zones—Aterrado III.
Nearly third of the water flowing to that zone was being lost, and the team had no reliable way to see when or why it was happening. We provided the utility with real-time pressure and flow monitoring, along with a simple platform to help their team make sense of the data.
They didn’t need new infrastructure or a larger workforce, just the tools to see clearly and act faster. With visibility in place, their team was able to reduce losses, make pressure adjustments with confidence, and respond to leaks before they got worse.
The result: less losses, more control, and a shift toward data-led operations all driven by the holistic efforts of SAAE Volta Redonda’s.
THE CHALLENGE
Aterrado III was one of the highest-loss zones in Volta Redonda’s water network. Nearly 31% of the water entering the zone wasn’t reaching customers. Most of it was leaking silently, no visible bursts, no immediate alarms. Just steady, daily losses. The team suspected that fluctuating pressure was making the problem worse, especially at night when demand dropped and pressure spiked.
But without real-time pressure data, they couldn’t be sure. There was no way to track how pressure behaved hour by hour, or how it was affecting leak volume. Instead, they relied on routine checks, delayed customer complaints, and field crews responding after the fact.
Pressure settings were based on trial and error. Leak continued to flow, and despite everyone’s best efforts, SAAE Volta Redonda needed to find the solution. They didn’t need a full system overhaul, but they did need visibility.
They needed to know what was happening inside the pipes, in real time, so they could act faster and stop wasting water. The team had the experience. What they lacked was the insights to move with confidence.
THE SOLUTION
Saae Volta Redonda Utility partnered with Flowless to get a better view of what was happening underground and a better way to act on it.
Flowless helped the utility:
- Install pressure and flow sensors in a specific zone
- Connect the data to a user-friendly platform for daily monitoring
- Analyze night flow patterns to detect hidden leaks
- Run pressure simulations in a digital twin before making changes
- Track the impact using automated dashboards and alerts
Flowless provided the tools, training, and platform. The utility team used those tools to make confident decisions and reduce losses, without increasing staff or replacing infrastructure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Local Implementation Matters
We worked with Virthuous, our local partner in Brazil, to support implementation and coordination with SAAE. That local presence helped ensure smooth setup and daily use. Better Visibility, Not Bigger Teams.
The results were achieved by the utility’s existing staff. The only change was better visibility into leaks and pressure behavior.
SEE THE FULL STORY
This is just a snapshot of what’s possible when utilities are empowered with real-time visibility and actionable insights.
Want the full breakdown of how SAAE Volta Redonda did it?
👉 Download the complete case study to explore the data, dashboards, and decisions that made it happen.
