The DISCO pilot of Malmö Municipality and Sweden Water Research aims to understand actual water consumption patterns and how usage is distributed across everyday activities. Commonly cited figures for daily water consumption are outdated and incomplete. The test area is Sege Park in Malmö, Sweden, where the digital measuring tool DigiDrop is being developed and tested. The work is led by the City of Malmö and Sweden Water Research, in collaboration with Helicon Technologies and participating residents, the “Super Testers.” Recruitment of these Super Testers is ongoing. By combining AI, digital water meters and user participation, the DigiDrop tool is being developed to measure and understand water usage in detail.
Revisiting our water consumption
A frequently quoted figure in the Swedish water and wastewater sector is that each person uses 140 litres of water per day. However, this number only reflects household consumption, excludes workplaces and schools, varies between regions and municipalities, and is based on older data. The DISCO project, carried out by the City of Malmö and Sweden Water Research, seeks to determine what the real numbers look like. How much water do we actually use? And how is this usage divided between showering, toilet flushing, dishwashing, laundry, cooking and other activities?
Engaging the Community: Strong interest in becoming Super Testers
In January 2026, the project team met residents in and around Sege Park in Malmö, the test area for developing DigiDrop. Many expressed interest in becoming Super Testers.
“I’m excited that we have received so many testers who are interested in understanding their water consumption and who want to contribute to research on the topic” says Victoria Rydengård, DISCO project manager at Sweden Water Research. “The upcoming measurements will help us move closer to understanding how water is actually used today. The purpose of the study is to build a reliable picture of real consumption patterns. Later, this knowledge may help identify ways to change these patterns and potentially reduce consumption” she continues.
Developing DigiDrop: measuring to understand, understanding to change
DigiDrop is being developed together with Helicon Technologies, using AI, digital meters and the engagement of Super Testers. The approach is simple: measure to understand, and then use that understanding to support behavioural change.
The tool is being developed in close collaboration with both users and experts to ensure it meets real needs and provides valuable insights.
Why Sege Park? A test area with high sustainability ambitions
On 22 January 2026, the project team presented DigiDrop to residents and other stakeholders in and around Sege Park. The area has been chosen because it is undergoing extensive development with strong ambitions for climate-smart and sustainable living making it an ideal environment for testing water-related innovations.
“We are pleased and grateful for the strong interest in DigiDrop from the residents of Sege Park and look forward to working closely together for one year of piloting the innovation in the area” says Monika Månsson at the City of Malmö.
