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 skill
Within a year, the company has increased the number of leaks detected by 93 percent. This was made possible by digital systems and smart sensor technology, such as the SmartEAR® or the HL7000 ground microphone, which can detect even the slightest noises and pressure differences in the pipe network.
Unusual methods are also being used. Dogs are being trained to detect traces of chlorine in the soil. In addition, satellite images and drones are being used to monitor hard-to-reach sections of the pipe network from the air and detect anomalies.
Repairs and a holistic view
Last year, more than 16,100 leaks were repaired. That equates to around 44 repairs per day. Since 2020, Südwest-Wasser has already reduced water loss by more than 20 percent. The goal is to halve the leakage rate by 2050.
Around 30 percent of water losses occur on customers' properties. That is why South West Water UK also provides active support in this area. Consumers receive help with locating and repairing leaks and can apply for grants for necessary work. In addition, a "leakage compensation" scheme 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 rising water demand, it is becoming increasingly important to detect and repair leaks at an early stage.
"Thanks to innovative processes, we are currently detecting more leaks than ever before. This enables our teams to take targeted action and save large amounts of water," explains Little. At the same time, he points out that a significant proportion of losses occur on private property and recommends having your own network checked regularly.
Conclusion for our region
This example is also inspiring for water utilities 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®.