The remote reading of meters detects unusual water consumption in 69,000 homes in Madrid this year, saving the equivalent of 6,000 Olympic swimming pools.
The Community of Madrid has sent alerts to over 69,000 users for unusual water consumption in their homes during 2026, thanks to the remote reading system implemented by Canal de Isabel II in 93% of the region's meters, over 1.55 million devices. This technology, based on the NB-IoT standard, has made the company a national and international benchmark.
The system records a measurement every hour, compared to the bi-monthly manual readings previously conducted. This multiplies the available data by 1,460 and allows for real-time detection of anomalies, such as possible leaks within the facilities. Since its launch, the company has alerted over 155,000 customers in the last three years.
The water savings from these automatic alerts amount to nearly 37 cubic hectometres, equivalent to more than 11,000 Olympic swimming pools. Just this year, the volume saved exceeds 6,000 Olympic swimming pools, according to data provided by the public company.
The implementation of remote reading is progressing well and is expected to reach 100% of the drinking water meter network by the end of 2026, with 1.6 million operational devices. Users do not have to pay anything for the installation or associated services, and can check their consumption and set alerts through the Virtual Office of Canal de Isabel II.
More than 8,000 customers have already activated personalised alerts to know when their consumption exceeds or falls below the levels they set. This functionality is particularly useful for detecting leaks when the home is empty, or even for warning of possible occupancy if activity is recorded in a house that should remain uninhabited.
It also serves as a protective tool for the homes of the elderly or dependent individuals: if the minimum consumption threshold is not reached, the company alerts the contacts associated with the contract. The customer service line, at 900 365 365, offers advice on how to make the most of this tool.
Remote reading not only benefits households but also allows Canal de Isabel II to optimise the overall supply network. Consumption patterns help to make comparisons between areas and plan demand more efficiently.
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