Satellite Leak Detection

In their five-year Asset Management Plan (AMP), the major UK utility company, South Staffs Water, incorporating Cambridge Water, committed to reducing water leakage. The target is to minimise total leakage by a minimum of 15% from 2019/20 levels by 2024/25. This transformational reduction is to be achieved through prevention and active leakage control, identifying innovation in both areas to improve efficiency.

The Leakage Strategy Manager from South Staffs Water turned to SUEZ for assistance and was introduced to Utilis’ satellite leak detection technology. To verify the new technology, the water company conducted extensive trials.

Subsequently, South Staffs Water implemented the technology across two parts of their territory, 6000km of distribution and trunk mains pipework. Several project parameters were measured and compared with regular leak detection without satellite aid.

• Leakage savings of over 2 million litres per day
• Total costs per MLD of £180,000 included the satellite leak detection, follow up by ground technicians, and all repairs.
• Leaks are detected across all asset types (mains, customer, ferrule, valve, hydrant, etc.)
• Leaks detected across all types of ground cover (tarmac, earth, concrete, brick, etc.)
• Leaks were detected across all pipe materials.