Climate change and urbanization challenge utilities’ pursuit of water security worldwide. While water utilities are directly impacted by climate change, their operations also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Digital technologies have proven effective in improving utilities’ operations, leading to a more sustainable urban water cycle. However, the global progress of digital water transformation remains largely understudied. Here, we present the results of an online survey involving 64 utilities from 28 countries investigating the impacts of digital transformation on the water utility sector, its drivers, and key-enabling technologies. We found that the water distribution system is the entry point to further adoption of digital technologies in the whole urban water cycle. Furthermore, technology adoption is driven primarily by economic benefits, followed by government regulation and hydroclimatic factors. Starting from the survey results, we point out avenues for further research targeting a better understanding of the influence of regulation, corporate mindset, and consumer involvement for successful digital transformation.

气候变化和城市化挑战了公用事业公司对全球水安全的追求。虽然自来水公司直接受到气候变化的影响，但它们的运营也会造成温室气体排放。事实证明，数字技术可以有效改善公用事业运营，从而实现更可持续的城市水循环。然而，数字水务转型的全球进展在很大程度上仍未得到充分研究。在这里，我们展示了一项在线调查的结果，该调查涉及来自 28 个国家的 64 家公用事业公司，调查数字化转型对水务公用事业部门、其驱动因素和关键支持技术的影响。我们发现，配水系统是整个城市水循环进一步采用数字技术的切入点。此外，技术采用主要受经济效益驱动，其次是政府监管和水文气候因素。从调查结果开始，我们指出了进一步研究的途径，旨在更好地了解监管、企业心态和消费者参与对成功数字化转型的影响。