Model for Anomaly Detection in Reducing Water Losses in the Distribution Network of Peru using Machine Learning Algorithms

Water leakage in distribution networks is a significant challenge, especially in regions with limited infrastructure like Huancayo, Peru, where losses account for 32.82% of the distributed volume. This study introduces a machine learning-based approach to detect leaks using four algorithms: Autoencoder LSTM, Isolation Forest, One-Class SVM, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). The methodology involved preprocessing historical consumption data (2018–2024) into 12-month temporal sequences per client and evaluating the models based on F1 Score, Precision, and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Among the algorithms, the Autoencoder LSTM demonstrated superior performance with the highest precision (0.89) and the lowest MAE (0.00402). Its robustness in high-variability contexts enables early and reliable leak detection, providing a cost-effective solution for optimizing water management in resource-constrained environments.