Lacroix Focuses on Water Network Digitization to Address Leaks in Europe
On Tuesday, Lacroix presented the digitization of water networks as a structural strategic lever in response to climate challenges and massive water leaks. The company positions its Water Networks segment as a direct response to massive national investment plans in Europe and the acceleration of infrastructure modernization.
A Context of Unprecedented Water Stress and Network Losses
Lacroix justifies its strategy with a deteriorating environmental and infrastructural context. Since 2000, the frequency and duration of drought episodes have increased by 29% globally, according to data cited by the group. In France, about 20% of the water distributed to taps is lost due to leaks before reaching households, while this loss exceeds 30% globally. The group emphasizes that aging infrastructure exacerbates this issue on a French network comprising nearly one million kilometers of drinking water pipelines and 425,000 km of wastewater networks. In Europe, governments are mobilizing massive investments to combat these losses. Italy has allocated 194 billion euros under its PNRR program for network modernization, where leakage rates are around 42%. Spain has invested more than 3 billion euros in the digitization of its water cycle, facing structural water stress amplified by Mediterranean droughts.
Integrated Solutions: Sensors, Data Transmission, and Supervision
Lacroix describes an end-to-end offering that integrates connected sensors, transmission units, and a centralized supervision platform. The group deployed 12,500 sensors in 2025 (a 44% increase in one year) and sold 18,500 SOFREL S4W RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), up 24% in a year. Its centralized IoT platform, LX CONNECT, is already deployed with 115 operators in France and internationally. The group also provides LX SCADA, an operational supervision interface offering real-time control of all hydraulic assets. This approach covers the entire data cycle: leak detection and pollution prevention, real-time data processing and transmission from remote sites, and centralized management and updates of the equipment fleet. Lacroix highlights the native integration of cybersecurity in its solutions, in response to the requirements imposed by the European NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, especially for operators of critical infrastructures.
The Rennes Network: 43% Gains on Leaks and Energy
Lacroix presents the digitization of the drinking water network of the Rennes metropolitan area (450,000 inhabitants) as a reference case. Following the deployment of the group's centralized remote control solutions, the measured improvements reach 43% on three key indicators: reduction of leaks, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions. The annual savings generated amount to 270,000 euros, compared to a network without remote management. The group indicates that its Water Networks segment, based in France and operating in 7 countries, is positioned as a leading integrated European player capable of rapidly deploying solutions tailored to each market.
