Recife, Brazil – June 29, 2026. Amazon and Aganova, a global leader in advanced leak detection for large pipelines, have announced a partnership aimed at minimizing water loss in Recife’s service network using AI-driven acoustic leak detection technology. This innovative solution utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host and analyze data, pinpointing leak locations in water pipelines overseen by the local utility, Compesa. Once fully implemented, the project is projected to save 165 million liters of water each year, which is equivalent to 66 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Central to this initiative is Aganova’s Nautilus system. This in-line inspection technology functions within active pipelines, merging sophisticated data collection with AI analytics to precisely identify and locate concealed leaks and air pockets—issues often missed by traditional methods.
Marcos Barrera, CEO of Aganova, states: “Water loss represents one of the most pressing and solvable challenges in global water management. At Aganova, we integrate cutting-edge sensing technology with data intelligence to detect what remains hidden. This project in Recife exemplifies how our Nautilus system can yield significant water savings, safeguard essential resources, and assist utilities in transitioning to more intelligent, sustainable operations.”
Amazon aims to be a responsible steward of water in all its operational areas, with enhanced water efficiency being a key strategy.
“The partnership between local utilities and companies leveraging advanced technology is an effective approach to tackling critical urban issues like water waste. This initiative boosts water efficiency, fortifies infrastructure, conserves natural resources, and offers enduring benefits to the communities in Recife and its surroundings,” remarks Juliana Sztrajtman, President of Amazon Brazil.
As one of Brazil’s fastest-growing coastal cities, Recife faces mounting pressure on its water resources. In this scenario, mitigating physical water losses is not merely an operational concern but a strategic imperative. It plays a crucial role in alleviating extraction stress on vulnerable water sources and enhancing the overall efficiency of the water distribution system.
Compesa emphasizes, “This collaboration marks a significant advancement in modernizing water management in the State of Pernambuco. By utilizing advanced technologies, we can gain deeper insights into our network, minimize losses, and ensure a more dependable and sustainable water supply for the communities we serve.”
The Nautilus system operates within large-diameter transmission pipelines that, despite comprising a relatively minor portion of the network, account for a significant share of water losses.
Area of Operation
The project will target a basin in southern Recife, where focused interventions will yield measurable outcomes:
The objective is to recover 165 million liters of water annually through advanced leak detection and repair strategies. To accomplish this, approximately 69 kilometers of large-diameter pipelines will be inspected using Aganova’s Nautilus technology.
These water savings are anticipated to directly alleviate pressure on the Boa Viagem aquifer and enhance system performance.
While these estimates are based on existing network data and operational experience, results may improve as the project develops.
The initiative also enjoys the backing of Effico Saneamento, Aganova’s partner in Brazil, which provides specialized local expertise and engineering support. This marks the second collaborative effort between Amazon and Aganova in the country; a similar project was launched in São Paulo in 2025, in partnership with Sabesp, aimed at preventing the waste of around 210 million liters of water annually.
Source: Aganova
