Leak detection saves water across Perth

Monday, 5 September 2016

• More than 4,400km of water mains inspected for hidden leaks across the Perth metropolitan area in 2015-16
• $80 million invested to renew water mains this financial year
• Repairing leaks has saved about two billion litres of water each year in Perth 

A Liberal National Government program to inspect more than 4,400 kilometres of water mains across the Perth metropolitan area in 2015-16 has resulted in saving about two billion litres of water - or the equivalent of 889 Olympic-sized swimming pools each year.

Water Minister Mia Davies said the work was carried out by the Water Corporation as part of a State-wide program to detect and repair non-visible leaks. 

Ms Davies said the largest leak was located in Yanchep and its repair would save an estimated 47 million litres of water each year.

"Detection of non-visible leaks forms an important part of the corporation's work to reduce water loss from its water supply system," she said.

"Leaks can be difficult to detect on underground pipes, especially in sandy soils.  This program uses acoustic technology to detect hidden leaks, which can then be prioritised for repair.

"Workers walk along a pipeline and listen with technology similar to a stethoscope to determine if a non-visible leak is present, then specialist equipment is brought in to pinpoint its location.

"The leak detected in Yanchep illustrates how this technology can save significant amounts of water."

The corporation inspected more than 5,900km of water mains across Western Australia for hidden leaks in 2015-16, saving more than 2.8 billion litres of water each year. The program will continue in 2016-17.

"The State Government will invest nearly $80 million to renew water mains in 2016-17, which will ensure the State's water assets are in a fit for purpose condition," the Minister said.

In May 2016, the corporation also installed 350 acoustic sensors on 94km of water mains in the Perth CBD to help identify leaks and reduce the frequency of breaks.

Fact File

• Leaks occur in every water supply scheme across the world and are influenced by a number of external factors, such as soil types, nearby construction and tree roots
• The public can report a leak or break by phoning the corporation 24/7 on 13 13 75