Amazon and Aganova have partnered with Brazilian water utility Compesa to deploy artificial intelligence-powered leak detection technology across Recife’s water distribution network, with the project expected to save approximately 165 million litres of water every year.
The initiative combines Aganova’s in-line pipeline inspection technology with Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud analytics to identify hidden leaks and trapped air pockets inside large-diameter transmission pipelines while they remain fully operational.
Once completed, the project is expected to save enough water annually to fill approximately 66 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
AI-powered pipeline inspection
The project centres on Aganova’s Nautilus inspection system, which travels through live water pipelines collecting acoustic and operational data. The information is analysed using AI-powered tools hosted on AWS to accurately identify leak locations and other network anomalies that conventional inspection techniques may miss.
According to the partners, the technology enables utilities to locate hidden leaks with greater precision, allowing targeted repairs while minimising operational disruption.
Marcos Barrera, CEO of Aganova, said:
“Water loss is one of the most urgent and solvable challenges in global water management. At Aganova, we combine advanced sensing technology with data intelligence to detect what others cannot see. This project in Recife demonstrates how our Nautilus system can generate measurable water savings, protect critical resources, and help utilities transition to smarter, more sustainable operations.”
Supporting Recife’s water resilience
Recife is one of Brazil’s fastest-growing coastal cities, placing increasing pressure on available water resources. Reducing physical water losses has become an operational priority for improving network efficiency while reducing abstraction from vulnerable water sources.
The project will inspect approximately 69 kilometres of large-diameter transmission pipelines serving southern Recife. These strategic assets represent a relatively small proportion of the overall network but account for a significant share of potential water losses.
According to the project partners, the recovered water is expected to reduce pressure on the Boa Viagem aquifer while improving overall distribution system performance.
Compesa said:
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in modernising water management in Recife State of Pernambuco. By leveraging advanced technologies, we can better understand our network, reduce losses, and ensure a more reliable and sustainable water supply for the population we serve.”
Cloud analytics support proactive asset management
Amazon Web Services provides the cloud infrastructure supporting the project’s data analytics capabilities, allowing inspection data to be processed and interpreted more efficiently.
Juliana Sztrajtman, President of Amazon Brazil, said:
“The collaboration between local utilities and companies applying cutting-edge technology is a smart path to solving critical city problems, such as water waste. This initiative increases water efficiency, strengthens infrastructure, helps preserve natural resources, and provides lasting benefits for the communities of Recife and surrounding areas.”
The initiative is also supported by Effico Saneamento, Aganova’s Brazilian partner, which is providing local engineering expertise throughout the project.
Building on previous water conservation projects
The Recife deployment follows a similar collaboration launched by Amazon and Aganova in São Paulo during 2025, where AI-assisted leak detection technology was introduced to help reduce water losses across the city’s network.
According to Amazon, the Recife project forms part of its wider global water stewardship programme, which includes more than 50 water initiatives designed to improve water efficiency and support communities facing increasing water stress.
