Coca-Cola Foundation backs worldwide push to curb water loss

A significant share of the world’s drinking water never reaches consumers due to failing infrastructure, and efforts backed by The Coca-Cola Foundation aim to address the issue through technology, funding and community-based repair programmes.

Leaking pipes, metering inaccuracies and illegal connections account for one-third of the global supply that disappears before reaching taps. Estimates suggest the lost volume could provide more than two billion people with 100 liters per day. Meanwhile, utilities face annual losses of 39 billion dollars, yet many struggle to access investment for system upgrades.

Global programmes target failing networks

The Coca-Cola Foundation supports The Coca-Cola Company’s broader water stewardship objectives, helping restore water to natural habitats and communities. Since 2015, the Coca-Cola system has returned more than 100 percent of the water used in its finished beverages.

Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation: "For 20 years, the Foundation has funded global initiatives that provide sustainable access to safe water in vulnerable, water-stressed communities. The pressing issue of water loss requires collective action. We take pride in supporting partners and advancing innovative solutions and programs for water utilities that are often deemed too risky for traditional private donors and investors."

AI-supported maintenance for aging systems

Through Foundation funding, partner organisations are deploying technology such as smart meters, sensors, AI-driven leak detection and digital networks to help utilities anticipate failures and respond more quickly. More than 100 million dollars has gone toward water-related initiatives in the past three years, with bottling partners contributing local knowledge in project regions.

In the United States, a utility in Mississippi is testing an AI tool through the Water Innovation Pilot Fund, a collaboration between the Foundation and Imagine H2O. The system, developed by BlueConduit, identifies pipe segments most likely to fail, helping utilities prioritise upgrades. Early results indicate strong forecasting accuracy as the pilot enters its final phase.

A separate project with Imagine H2O and SmartTerra is applying an AI-based approach in Indonesia to identify leaks and faulty meters.

Scott Bryan, President, Imagine H2O: "Imagine H2O is clearing the path for water innovation—especially where solutions are needed most. Our partnership with The Coca Cola Foundation through the Water Innovation Pilot Fund brings 16 years of startup acceleration to the front lines—unlocking breakthrough technologies that help communities fix failing infrastructure, tackle emerging contaminants, and meet urgent water challenges head-on."

Partnerships tackle water loss across Africa

In South Africa, the Foundation works with the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group on the Platform for a Water Secure Gauteng. The initiative unites local authorities, researchers and civil organisations across Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane to address losses that cost municipalities 362 million dollars in 2024. A two-megaliter water tower now supports broader water-security efforts in the province.

Michael John Webster, Program Manager, 2030 WRG: "Our partnership with the Foundation aims to improve water services for 338,000 people in low-income areas by complementing municipal infrastructure investments with community-based leak detection and repair, and strengthening alliances."

Extending water access and preparing for future demand

In Uganda and Tanzania, Water Mission is installing meters and remote monitoring tools to measure flow in rural systems, while in Bangladesh, WSUP is helping providers strengthen their ability to manage water loss from the outset of network development.

Time pressure is mounting as demand rises. Pagoaga: "Water loss is a critical and overlooked issue in our communities. The demand for water globally may increase by up to 30 percent in the next 25 years, so now is the time for large-scale collaboration to drive lasting, systemic change."

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