Infrastructure services are rapidly expanding in Kosovo and almost the entire population has access to the public water network (99.83%). However, the physical condition and operational efficiency of the network reveal a striking picture in the current water production and loss data of the Kosovo Statistical Agency (ASK). Losing more than half of the produced water within the network is not only a waste of environmental resources but also a huge financial burden for local governments. This makes Kosovo one of the most attractive modernization markets in the region for international companies developing water infrastructure technologies.
Growth in Water Production Capacity for the Public Sector (2010-2023) With the increasing urban population and industrialization, Kosovo's water demand is constantly growing. According to ASK data, while 156.8 million cubic meters of water was pumped into the network in 2022, this figure was increased to 183.4 million cubic meters by increasing the capacity in 2023. This increase in water production shows that municipal water companies have reached the operational capacity to respond to increasing demand.
Leakage and Loss Rate in Infrastructure: 2023 ASK Data Unfortunately, success in water production cannot be maintained at the same rate in transmission lines. Of the 183.4 million cubic meters of water supplied to the network in 2023, 111.2 million cubic meters of it was recorded as lost water (due to leaks, pipe failures, etc.). Loss of more than 60% of produced water is a direct result of aging asbestos or cast iron pipes, inadequate pressure management and a lack of digital monitoring systems.
(Kosovo Investment Editorial Comment:) The 60% water loss rate is a very clear "investment gap" signal for foreign technology and engineering companies pursuing smart city and infrastructure tenders in the Kosovo market. Organizations such as the European Development Bank (EBRD) and KfW provide intensive grant and loan support to "Loss and Leakage Reduction (NRW)" projects in order to ensure the financial sustainability of regional water companies in Kosovo. There is a multi-billion Euro modernization market in the context of public-private partnerships (PPP) for companies supplying SCADA systems, acoustic leak detection sensors, smart water meters (IoT) or contractors with trenchless pipe rehabilitation (CIPP) technology. Data alone is not enough to make an investment decision; The Kosovo Public Procurement Law (PPL) and municipal water enterprises regulations should also be legally examined.
i Growth (2010-2023) With the increasing urban population and industrialization, Kosovo's water demand is constantly growing. According to ASK data, while 156.8 million cubic meters of water was pumped into the network in 2022, this figure was increased to 183.4 million cubic meters by increasing the capacity in 2023. This increase in water production shows that municipal water companies have reached the operational capacity to respond to increasing demand.
k Rate: 2023 ASK Data Unfortunately, success in water production cannot be maintained at the same rate in transmission lines. Of the 183.4 million cubic meters of water supplied to the network in 2023, 111.2 million cubic meters of it was recorded as lost water (due to leaks, pipe failures, etc.). Loss of more than 60% of produced water is a direct result of aging asbestos or cast iron pipes, inadequate pressure management and a lack of digital monitoring systems. (Kosovo Investment Editorial Comment:) The 60% water loss rate is a very clear "investment gap" signal for foreign technology and engineering companies pursuing smart city and infrastructure tenders in the Kosovo market. Organizations such as the European Development Bank (EBRD) and KfW provide intensive grant and loan support to "Loss and Leakage Reduction (NRW)" projects in order to ensure the financial sustainability of regional water companies in Kosovo. There is a multi-billion Euro modernization market in the context of public-private partnerships (PPP) for companies supplying SCADA systems, acoustic leak detection sensors, smart water meters (IoT) or contractors with trenchless pipe rehabilitation (CIPP) technology. Data alone is not enough to make an investment decision; The Kosovo Public Procurement Law (PPL) and municipal water enterprises regulations should also be legally examined.