Water networks in France face significant leakage and infrastructure challenges

Water networks in France face significant leakage issues, with an average of one out of every five liters of treated potable water lost before reaching consumers. In the Alsace region, efforts to identify and replace aging pipes are increasing, though the pace of renewal remains a challenge. The SDEA currently replaces an average of 45 km of its network annually, aiming to reach a 1% annual replacement rate within the next five to ten years.

Local variations in infrastructure quality are notable. In Orbey, some pipes dating back to the early 20th century remain functional due to high-quality German cast iron. Conversely, in the Sundgau region, some post-war French pipes made from recycled shell casings have proven unreliable. In Seppois-le-Haut and Seppois-le-Bas, the leakage rate reached 38.2% in 2024, resulting in the loss of approximately 60,000 cubic meters of water.

Data from the National Observatory of Water and Sanitation Services (Sispea) allows residents to track local water loss. Users can access interactive maps to view the percentage of water lost annually, the total volume of losses, and the amount of water wasted per subscriber in their specific distribution network.