SDSLeaD – Smart Decision Support and Leakage Detection

Implementation Period: 10/2025 – 10/2027

Project Overview 

The SDSLeaD (Smart Decision Support and Leakage Detection) project addresses water leakage and high levels of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the cross-border area between Greece and Albania. The region faces increasing water stress due to overexploitation, pollution, aging infrastructure, and climate change. Shared river basins and similar sector challenges make joint solutions both necessary and strategic.

The project’s main objective is to optimize water use through the reduction of leakages in water supply systems, ensuring adequate and high-quality drinking water for communities.

SDSLeaD will develop and pilot an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) that integrates:

• IoT sensors and real-time monitoring equipment
• SCADA data and hydraulic simulation models
• Mathematical models and digital twins
• Predictive analytics for early leak detection

This integrated digital solution will enable water utilities to detect and address leaks more efficiently, reduce water and energy losses, lower operational costs, and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Pilot Implementation

The DSS will be pilot-demonstrated in:

• Kozani (Greece)
• Korçë (Albania)

Real-time data loggers, smart meters, pressure sensors, and flow monitoring devices will support the pilot activities.

Expected Results

The project will deliver:

• A fully functional and tested Decision Support System (DSS) for predictive, real-time leakage management
• Deployment of smart monitoring equipment in pilot areas
• A cross-border knowledge base with methodologies, technical manuals, and digital tools
• Training materials, workshops, and structured capacity-building programs for water utilities
• A joint action plan and policy recommendations to ensure sustainability and institutional uptake
• Communication and awareness-raising activities targeting sector stakeholders

SHUKALB’s Role

As a project partner, SHUKALB will:

• Develop training materials and organize workshops for water utilities and sector stakeholders
• Support data collection and analysis related to water losses
• Disseminate project results through its national network of water utilities in Albania
• Contribute to the development of the joint action plan and policy recommendations
• Integrate project best practices into SHUKALB’s long-term training programs to ensure sustainability beyond the project lifetime

Project Framework

SDSLeaD is funded under the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece–Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.

Total Budget: 

820.684,80€
EU funding
656.547,84€

Project Partners

• Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Kozani (Lead Partner)
• General Secretariat of Natural Environment and Water, Greece
• Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB)
• Korca Regional Company Water Supply and Sanitation JSC

Policy Alignment

SDSLeaD supports the objectives of the EU Drinking Water Directive, the EU Water Framework Directive, the European Green Deal, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6, promoting clean water through innovation, digitalisation, and cross-border collaboration.

Project Poster: LINK