“Hidroconta offers a complete ecosystem: from data collection to decision making”
Over the past four decades, Hidroconta has grown from a small family business focused on irrigation efficiency into a global leader in digital water management. Guided by continuous innovation and an early understanding that water challenges extend far beyond agriculture, the company now operates in more than 30 countries, offering integrated solutions that combine smart devices, secure connectivity, and advanced data platforms.
Under the leadership of CEO Alfonso Corbalán, Hidroconta has evolved into a trusted technological partner. In this interview, Corbalán reflects on the company’s journey, its unique value proposition in a competitive sector, and the role of digitalisation in ensuring the sustainable and efficient management of one of our planet’s most critical resources.
Hidroconta was founded over four decades ago as a family business specialising in irrigation solutions. What has the journey been like to become a global player in water digitalisation?
Hidroconta's story is one of continuous transformation. We were founded as a family-owned business with a very clear mission: to provide technological solutions that improve irrigation efficiency. Over time, we understood that the water challenge went far beyond agriculture and that digitalisation would be key to ensuring the sustainability of this resource. This growth has been possible thanks to technological innovation and both national and international projects. Today, we operate in more than 30 countries and have evolved from being a device manufacturer to offering solutions that combine hardware, communications, and software, becoming a global technological partner, and developing comprehensive solutions for smart water management.
We want to lead not only through innovation but also through a commitment to sustainability and the responsible use of water resources
In your view, what is Hidroconta’s unique value proposition compared to other technology players in the water sector, both nationally and internationally?
We don't believe in a single solution because each market has its own peculiarities: network coverage, local regulations, infrastructure density
Our value proposition focuses on integration and flexibility. Few companies offer a complete ecosystem that spans from the design and manufacturing of devices to the development of software platforms and digital services. We manufacture water meters with IP68 protection, capable of withstanding extreme temperature and humidity conditions, and we design platforms that turn data into useful information. Furthermore, we offer flexibility in connectivity, working with NB-IoT, Wireless M-Bus, or dual-technology based on context. We also have the ability to adapt each solution to the specific needs of each client, whether for an agricultural project in Saudi Arabia or a large utility. This versatility, combined with the accumulated experience in very diverse projects, positions us as a reliable partner in the transition towards digital water management.
Digitalising the water cycle requires combining sensors, connectivity, and data analytics. How does Hidroconta respond to this need with its current technological ecosystem?
At Hidroconta, we have developed a complete ecosystem that combines smart devices, secure communications, and digital platforms. Products like D-Meter, our data management software, which centralises real-time information, are complemented by field equipment like the Iris communications module or the Centaurus smart water meter, which integrates 3COM (NB-IoT, LTE-M, and GPRS) communications that collect data with great precision. In this way, we offer a complete ecosystem that covers the entire chain: from data collection to decision-making based on advanced analytics. The data is transformed into operational metrics and predictive analyses that allow operators and service managers to make decisions in real-time and efficiently manage the water resource.
You support multiple IoT communication protocols – NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, Wireless M-Bus, GPRS... How do you adapt your connectivity strategy to each market or project?
Our strategy is based on versatility and customisation. We don't believe in a single solution because each market has its own peculiarities: network coverage, local regulations, infrastructure density... That's why we develop multi-protocol products and work closely with clients to select the most suitable technology. Each market has its characteristics: in some countries, NB-IoT is very widespread, in others, LoRaWAN or even GPRS are still the best option. That's why we have developed multi-protocol devices like the 3COM, which automatically selects the best available network (NB-IoT, LTE-M, or GPRS). This way, we can guarantee connectivity in any environment, urban or rural.
What role does cybersecurity play in your smart water systems, and how do you ensure the protection of sensitive data across large telemetry networks?
Cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar. We manage critical infrastructure and know that our clients' trust depends on it. We work under the standards of the National Security Scheme (ENS) and ISO 27001, implementing advanced encryption systems and working on robust architectures to guarantee protection in all phases: from data capture to its storage and analysis.
Cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar; we manage critical infrastructure and know that our clients' trust depends on it
We are certified with the ENS and ISO 27001, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data, especially sensitive subscriber information. In addition, the ENS regulations reinforce the security requirements of connected devices, and remote firmware updates (FOTA) allow us to keep the water meters secure throughout their entire useful life of 12-15 years.
You currently operate in over 30 countries. Which regions are driving your international growth today, and what challenges or opportunities do they present?
We are seeing great dynamism in Latin America and the Middle East, where the digitalisation of water is advancing at great speed. In Saudi Arabia, for example, we are working on an irrigation project covering 2,800 km². In Europe, regulatory momentum offers us many opportunities, especially in countries that are committed to sustainability and water efficiency. In Africa, although the technical challenges are greater, infrastructure needs open up a huge field for growth. Each region requires a cultural, regulatory, and technological adaptation, and that ability to adapt is one of our strengths.
Could you share one or two international projects that you consider especially representative of Hidroconta’s capacity to scale digital water technologies effectively?
One of the most emblematic projects is in Saudi Arabia, where Hidroconta has deployed a remote reading and control system in extreme desert conditions. The project covers more than 40,000 hectares of irrigated land and allows for the monitoring of water extraction through deep boreholes that supply irrigation pivots up to 800 metres in diameter. The solution combines Hidromag electromagnetic flow water meters, Demeter 4H GPRS terminals, and the Demeter Web platform. It incorporates specific protection measures against sandstorms, solar storms, and strong temperature fluctuations, thus guaranteeing operational continuity in a highly demanding environment.
In Europe, regulatory momentum offers many opportunities, especially in countries committed to sustainability and water efficiency
In Greece, we are implementing a pioneering project based on prepaid water devices, managed through an ad hoc mobile application developed for the client. This solution allows users to independently control their consumption based on their contracted balance, integrating not only water management but also associated monetary values. It is a complex and scalable project that opens the door to new forms of efficient resource management.
Another case of special interest is in London, where Hidroconta participates in managing water consumption in urban parks and gardens, including iconic spaces like Hyde Park. Through the installation of IRIS communication modules, it is possible to monitor and optimise irrigation over large green areas, contributing to more sustainable water management in urban environments.
You offer a flexible range of business models: from smart devices to integrated solutions and digital services. How are utilities and water operators responding to this modular approach?
Very positively. Each client has a different starting point: some only need devices, others are looking for an integral solution with software and continuous support. The modularity allows for the adaptation of deployments according to real needs and facilitates progressive implementation, increasing operational efficiency and reducing risks. This generates trust and ensures long-term relationships.
How has Spain’s Digital Water PERTE programme contributed to your development, and do you see this type of initiative as replicable in other countries or regions?
The PERTE water digitalisation programme has been key to accelerating the digital transformation of the sector in Spain, driving investment and public-private collaboration. For Hidroconta, it has been an opportunity to deploy more technology in the national territory and strengthen our position as a strategic partner. Thanks to this program, we have already deployed more than 30,000 IRIS modules and in the next phase, we will install 75,000 Centaurus water meters. Without a doubt, this model is replicable in other countries, as long as there is a clear political commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for Hidroconta in the next five years, and which technologies or strategies will be central to maintaining your leadership in digital water innovation?
Our priority is to consolidate Hidroconta as a global benchmark in smart water management. To achieve this, we will continue to invest in IoT technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics that allow for the optimisation of the water cycle in real-time so that the data generated — thousands per water meter each year — is converted into useful knowledge. We will also explore predictive maintenance technologies and digital twins to further optimise the operation of water networks. At the same time, we will strengthen our international presence in strategic markets and foster alliances with utilities, institutions, and technological partners. We want to lead not only through innovation but also through a commitment to sustainability and the responsible use of a resource as vital as water. The goal is clear: to lead the digitalisation of water through innovation, sustainability, and security.