Abstract
What is the implication of the main finding? Smart sensing technologies should be evaluated carefully based on cost, scale, and deployment context; while AI/satellite tools are promising, conventional methods may still be cost-optimal in some cases. Improvements in water infrastructure nationwide could significantly contribute to economic savings, energy efficiency, and smart living goals. In a case study in Atlanta, Georgia, conventional acoustic leak detection was observed to be more cost-effective than AI-assisted satellite leak detection, generating USD 2.4 million in net benefits-50% higher than the satellite approach-over a 3-year period. On a national level, preventing water loss may result in cost savings of USD 6.5 billion/year and achieve energy savings equivalent to 0.26 million US homes/year.
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