South West Water UK has made significant progress in the fight against water loss. Through the targeted use of modern technologies, leaks have been prevented and the amount of water lost has been reduced by more than 10 million liters per day.
Recognition Is Becoming a Key Competency
Within a year, the company increased the number of leaks detected by 93 percent. This was made possible by digital systems and smart sensors, such as the SmartEAR® or the HL7000 ground microphone, which can detect even the slightest noises and pressure differences in the pipeline network.
Unconventional methods are also being used. Dogs are trained to detect traces of chlorine in the soil. In addition, satellite imagery and drones are used to monitor hard-to-reach sections of the pipeline network from the air and identify anomalies.
Repairs and a Holistic Approach
Last year, more than 16,100 leaks were repaired. That amounts to about 44 repairs per day. Since 2020, Südwest-Wasser has already reduced water loss by more than 20 percent. The goal is to cut the leakage rate in half by 2050.
About 30 percent of water losses occur on customers’ properties. That is why South West Water UK actively provides support in this area as well. Customers receive assistance with locating and repairing leaks and can apply for grants to cover necessary repairs. In addition, the company offers a “leakage allowance” so that no customer has to pay for lost water.
Why this is especially important right now
Karl Little, a manager at South West Water UK, emphasizes the importance of these measures. In times of drought and rising water demand, he says, it is becoming increasingly important to detect and repair leaks early on.
“Thanks to innovative methods, we’re currently detecting more leaks than ever before. This allows our teams to take targeted action and save large amounts of water,” explains Little. At the same time, he points out that a significant portion of the losses occur on private property and recommends having your own plumbing system inspected regularly.
Conclusion for Our Region
This example is also inspiring for water utilities in Germany. The combination of smart metering technology, digital solutions, and active customer support demonstrates how sustainable water management can work today.
Innovative technologies, such as those developed by SebaKMT®, help detect leaks more quickly and reduce losses over the long term. This ensures that more drinking water stays where it belongs: in our networks and households.
Learn more about the HL7000 ground microphone or the SmartEAR®.