State Government stops the leaks: program saves about two billion litres of water

THE State Government has managed to stop the leaks – and in the process has saved about two billion litres of water.

A program to inspect more than 4400km of water mains across the metropolitan area detected numerous leaks, and their repair has saved the equivalent of 889 Olympic swimming pools of water.

Water Minister Mia Davies said the work was carried out by the Water Corporation as part of a State-wide program.

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,” Ms Davies 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.”

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.

The program will continue in 2016-17, when the State Government will invest nearly $80 million to renew water mains.