Media Release

25 Aug 2006

Sydney Water to Trial Revolutionary Leak Detection Device

Sydney Water is trialling a revolutionary leak detection device to make further water savings.

The Sahara leak detection system will be used to check for leaks in 12 large water mains around Sydney.

Conditions in Sydney Water’s Operating Licence require leakage to be cut by 25 per cent during the next four years.

This is being achieved through an investment of more than $300 million on initiatives such as the Active Leak Reduction Program, the Water Main Renewals Program and improved response times to major leaks and bursts.

In the past year the amount of water lost through breaks and leaks has been reduced by 22 million litres each day.

Sydney Water is trialling the Sahara leak detection system to see if it can make even more savings through the new technology.

Sydney Water decided to conduct a trial of the Sahara system after it was successfully used overseas.

The technology was developed by the Water Research Centre in the United Kingdom and has been used in that country and extensively overseas, including the United States and the Middle East.

It has proven to be an effective tool in locating leaks in pipes measuring 250mm or more in diameter and can be used without interrupting the water supply.

The system works by placing a sensor inside the pipe, which then travels along it with the water flow for up to two kilometres.

If the sensor passes a leak, it detects the sound it generates and alerts the system’s operator.

Because the sensor travels within the water main, it can detect leaks in large diameter pipes made from any material.

The trial will be undertaken over two weeks at the following locations:

• Beecroft
  
• Killara
  
• Strathfield
  
• Guildford
  
• St Ives
  
• West Ryde
  
• Gordon
  
• Eastwood
  
• Warriewood
  
• Chatswood
  
• Ryde

Sydney Water will work with the community to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

 

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