Aganova has completed a large-diameter water pipeline inspection in Khouribga, Morocco, using its Nautilus technology.
The project was carried out with the Office National de l’Electricite et de l’Eau Potable, known as ONEE, and technical partner MAIRAV.
The inspection covered more than 60km of DN1200 transmission pipeline. Aganova said nine confirmed anomalies were identified, including several high-severity issues requiring priority maintenance.
The inspection was conducted in April 2026 while the pipeline remained operational. The detected anomalies were linked to estimated leakage rates of up to 36.7m3/h per location.
Aganova Nautilus used on Khouribga pipeline
Nautilus is a free-swimming inspection sphere designed to move through pressurised pipelines while collecting acoustic and operational data.
The technology is used to detect, locate and classify pipeline anomalies without taking the asset out of service. For operators, this can reduce disruption while giving maintenance teams better information on pipeline condition.
In the Khouribga project, the inspection data was processed through Aganova’s artificial intelligence platform. The aim was to support condition assessment, identify structural risks and help ONEE prioritise maintenance and rehabilitation work.
This project reinforces our commitment to supporting the modernisation and resilience of Morocco’s strategic water infrastructure. With Nautilus, we help utilities detect critical anomalies at an early stage, reduce water losses, and improve network efficiency without disrupting water service.
Luisa Gallardo, head of global operations, Aganova
ONEE project targets water efficiency
ONEE is Morocco’s national public utility for electricity and drinking water. The organisation is responsible for essential infrastructure linked to water security, operational efficiency and drinking water supply.
The Khouribga project adds to Aganova’s work on strategic water infrastructure in Morocco. The company said it has previously completed inspection projects in Casablanca and Agadir.
In Agadir, Aganova worked with MAIRAV on an acoustic inspection of a DN1600 desalinated water transmission pipeline. In Casablanca, the company supported a large-diameter CCTV pipeline inspection project.
Pipeline inspection supports proactive maintenance
Large-diameter transmission pipelines can be difficult to inspect without affecting supply. Technologies that operate under normal service conditions can help utilities move from reactive repair towards planned maintenance.
For water utilities, the main value is early visibility. Finding anomalies before failure can help reduce water losses, prioritise repair budgets and protect critical supply routes.
The Khouribga inspection also shows how condition assessment data can support wider water efficiency programmes. As water stress and infrastructure demand increase, utilities are under pressure to get more operational value from existing assets.
More coverage of water technology and network efficiency is available in the H2O Global News technology section and the Africa section.
FAQs
What was inspected in Khouribga?
Aganova inspected more than 60km of DN1200 water transmission pipeline in the Khouribga region of Morocco.
What is Aganova Nautilus?
Aganova Nautilus is a free-swimming inspection sphere that collects acoustic and operational data inside pressurised pipelines.
How many anomalies were found?
Aganova said nine confirmed anomalies were identified, including several high-severity issues requiring priority maintenance.
Why is pipeline inspection important for water efficiency?
Pipeline inspection helps utilities identify leaks and structural risks earlier, allowing repairs to be prioritised before failures become more disruptive.
