From several weeks to about 3 days: Faster leak detection through continuous network monitoring
A real-world example from Wrocław, Poland, demonstrates how continuous acoustic monitoring detects leaks earlier, shortens repair times, and helps reduce water loss in the long term.
Successful Leak Detection in Practice – Wrocław Relies on Continuous Network Monitoring
With approximately 2,242 km of water mains and household connections, Wrocław’s extensive drinking water network poses significant challenges for efficient leak detection.
By combining continuous acoustic monitoring with precise leak detection, potential damage can be identified earlier and field service teams can be deployed more effectively. The average time from leak detection to completion of repairs is currently about three days. Since 2023, 215 leaks have been detected using SmartEAR® alone.
Products in use
The Initial Situation in Wrocław
Reducing water losses has been a key goal of the water utility for many years. Over the past 15 years, the utility has continuously invested in DMA measurements, leak detection and diagnostic technology, telemetry, data management, and software.
Network areas where the establishment of District Metered Areas (DMAs) is difficult, impractical, or not economically viable pose a particular challenge. A solution was therefore sought that would allow these areas to be continuously monitored and hidden leaks to be detected early.
Continuous acoustic monitoring of the network
The water utility has been using noise loggers since 2016. The GT-3 loggers initially used have been gradually replaced by SmartEAR® since 2023. A total of approximately 3,000 loggers were purchased for network monitoring.
The devices monitor acoustic conditions in the water network and provide indications of potential leaks. This allows teams to be deployed specifically to suspicious areas. Initial concerns regarding false alarms and communication problems have been largely resolved. NB-IoT ensures reliable communication with the devices.
Correlux C-3 correlators are used for precise on-site leak detection. Since 2025, SmartEAR®+ eH and SmartEAR®+ eC have also been used in a pilot project for continuous monitoring of transmission lines, which combines leak detection with continuous pressure monitoring.
From several weeks to about 3 days
In the past, it often took several weeks to locate a leak and complete the repair. Today, it takes an average of only about three days from the time a leak is detected until the repair is completed.
Since the introduction of SmartEAR® in 2023, 215 leaks have been detected—an average of about 100 per year. Across all technologies and methods used, approximately 260 leaks are identified annually.
Facts & Figures
~ 0
GT-3 and SmartEAR® Noise Loggers Online
0 Leaks
Detected using SmartEAR® since 2023
~ 0 Leaks per year
Detected on average using SmartEAR®
~ 0 days
Leak Detection > Repair
0 %
Water Loss Rate in 2025
0 km
Total length of the drinking water network, including service connections
POSEYEDON® as a central platform
The water utility uses POSEYEDON® for daily monitoring . The platform enables detailed analyses and reports , as well as the monitoring of alarms and device status.
POSEYEDON® is considered intuitive and easy to use. At the same time, feedback from daily use is incorporated into its ongoing development—for example, in device and location reports, as well as the overview of inactive devices.
What has changed in everyday life
Thanks to continuous acoustic monitoring, leak detection has evolved from a predominantly reactive process to an increasingly proactive one. Potential leaks are detected earlier, response operations are planned more effectively, and repairs are carried out more quickly. At the same time, network areas can also be monitored where a DMA solution would not be cost-effective or practical.
The water utility estimates that the investment has already paid for itself—primarily through reduced water losses, faster leak detection, and more efficient deployment of field service teams.
A Successful Demonstration of Practical Experience
For the water utility, the project is now a key component of its strategy to reduce water losses and improve the reliability of the distribution network.
The collaboration with SebaKMT is also viewed positively. Particular mention is made of the professional technical support, the reliable equipment, and the continuous development of the solutions.