Watergate, a smart water management startup, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to support its innovative technology aimed at addressing global water infrastructure challenges, particularly the leaks that result in over 3 billion liters of water loss each day in England and Wales.

The company's flagship product, Sonic, utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect and automatically shut off water leaks, offering a more precise monitoring solution compared to traditional turbine-based meters.

Watergate advocates for the implementation of mandatory leak detection systems in new buildings, akin to smoke detector requirements, arguing that the marginal costs are outweighed by potential savings on insurance and repair expenses.

Recently, Watergate was accepted into The Water Council’s BREW Accelerator to facilitate its international expansion and is one of eight companies participating in the REACH UK property technology scale-up program.

The startup has established partnerships with major clients, including Greystar, where the installation of Sonic revealed that 22% of their properties had leak issues, leading to significant water savings and damage prevention.

Gareth Thomas from Watergate emphasizes that water management is becoming a critical aspect of sustainability, as companies have largely tackled energy consumption, and their mission is to develop smart tools for efficient water use.

Watergate's research indicates that internal leaks contribute significantly to water loss, prompting the creation of a comprehensive platform that integrates smart devices and software for effective monitoring and management of water consumption.

While currently focused on the UK market, Watergate plans to expand into North America, particularly California, which is experiencing severe water stress, and is also developing new hardware products to enhance its service offerings.

Sonic not only tracks water usage but also alerts users to freeze risks and Legionella, and it is capable of detecting small leaks, making it an effective tool for early intervention.

Since its inception in 2024, Watergate has successfully raised £1.7 million from angel investors and is now seeking an additional £600,000 through crowdfunding, highlighting its commitment to community involvement in water sustainability.