A new AI-powered monitoring platform, known as NSW DataDrop, is being developed to identify water leaks in government buildings more efficiently. Backed by a $4 million investment through the NSW Water Efficiency Program, the system aims to save up to 2,700 megalitres of water annually—enough to supply approximately 13,500 homes. The portal consolidates smart-meter data from schools, TAFEs, hospitals, and other public facilities into a single near real-time platform.
Developed in partnership with Griffith University’s Smart Water Informatics team, the technology uses advanced analytics to distinguish between normal usage patterns and hidden leaks. It automatically estimates water loss costs and triggers alerts for maintenance teams. The system will also include an educational interface for students to learn about urban water cycles through hands-on activities like water audits. The platform is expected to be fully operational by mid-2027.