South West Water UK has made considerable progress in the fight against water loss. Through the targeted use of modern technologies, the amount of water lost has been reduced by more than 10 million liters per day.
Recognition becomes a key competence
Within a year, the company has increased the number of leaks detected by 93%. This was made possible by digital systems and smart sensors, such as the SmartEAR® or the HL7000 ground microphone, which can detect even the smallest noises and pressure differences in the pipe network.
Unusual methods are also used. Dogs are trained to detect traces of chlorine in the ground. In addition, satellite images and drones are used to monitor sections of the pipe network that are difficult to access from the air and detect anomalies.
Repairs and a holistic view
More than 16,100 leaks were repaired last year. That equates to around 44 repairs per day. Südwest-Wasser has already been able to reduce water loss by more than 20 percent since 2020. The aim is to halve the leakage rate by 2050.
Around 30 percent of water losses occur on customers' properties. This is why South West Water UK also provides active support here. Consumers receive help with locating and repairing leaks and can apply for grants for necessary work. In addition, a so-called "leakage compensation" is offered so that no customer has to pay for lost water.
Why this is particularly important now
Karl Little, Manager at South West Water UK, emphasizes the importance of these measures. In times of drought and increasing water demand, it is becoming increasingly important to detect and rectify leaks at an early stage.
"Thanks to innovative processes, we are currently detecting more leaks than ever before. This allows our teams to take targeted action and save large quantities of water," explains Little. At the same time, he points out that a significant proportion of losses occur on private properties and recommends having your own network checked regularly.
Conclusion for our region
This example is also inspiring for water companies in Germany. The combination of intelligent measurement technology, digital solutions and active customer support shows how sustainable water management can work today.
Innovative technologies, such as those developed by SebaKMT®, help to detect leaks more quickly and reduce losses in the long term. This means that more drinking water stays where it belongs: in our networks and households.
Find out more about the HL7000 ground microphone or SmartEAR®.