Biofilm monitoring in Madrid water distribution network

Canal de Isabel II, the primary public water utility company managing water supply for the city of Madrid and the surrounding region, has a water network that spans 18,000 km.

The system uses monochloramine disinfection, which is stable but may lead to nitrification. Biofilms provide a habitat for nitrifying bacteria, accelerating monochloramine decay. Monitoring nitrites is currently costly and limited, motivating the adoption of real-time sensors and AI-based analysis.

Among the sensing technologies already deployed by the utility and now expanded through a new contract, online real-time biofilm monitoring plays a key role in enhancing operational control and water quality management.

Read more about the protection and maintenance of water distribution systems.