Over the past five years, advancements in leakage detection technology have significantly improved the ability to maintain water supply, with new systems driving efficiency and reducing water loss. The UK water sector, particularly during the 2020-25 investment period (AMP7), has embraced digital solutions that are now poised to become essential tools for the industry.
Key developments include systems that leverage remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and data management to not only identify leaks faster but also predict potential issues. As regulators push for the adoption of innovative approaches in AMP8, water companies are expected to maximize the use of these technologies to meet stringent leakage reduction targets.
The Shift to Proactive Leak Management
Traditional methods are increasingly giving way to advanced tools like Ovarro’s LeakNavigator. This end-to-end leakage platform identifies points of interest (POIs) and alerts field technicians directly, minimizing the need for in-house data analysis and increasing efficiency. Such tools help water companies quickly address leaks with high confidence, enabling them to focus on broader water system management.
Another transformative technology is Ovarro’s EnigmaREACH, developed with UK water companies to tackle large-scale leakage scenarios. Designed for rapid deployment, this lift-and-shift correlating hub allows technicians to monitor extensive areas during extreme weather events, such as freeze-thaw conditions or droughts, when pipe bursts are more likely.
Addressing Challenges Through Innovation
The water sector faces mounting challenges, including the threat of extreme weather and ongoing skills shortages. Freeze-thaw events and prolonged dry spells can cause significant ground movement, leading to pipe bursts and heightened leakage. In response, the supply chain has developed robust tools that ensure rapid detection and mitigation during such events, safeguarding water supplies.
Additionally, as-a-service models are gaining traction, offering subscription-based agreements where external partners manage and maintain infrastructure. These models reduce the burden on water companies, allowing them to focus on core operations while external specialists handle data analysis and system maintenance.
Preparing for the Future
The Environment Agency’s (EA) analysis of the sector’s water resource performance in 2023-24 underscores the need for preparedness as climate change makes extreme weather more frequent. While recent years lacked prolonged temperature extremes, the EA stresses that readiness for such events is critical to maintaining customer service and minimizing water loss.
The move towards new business models, such as subscription-based services and the integration of advanced technology, is helping water companies meet these challenges head-on. The availability of digital solutions, combined with tools like LeakNavigator and EnigmaREACH, is enabling faster, more efficient responses to leakage and contributing to the sector’s resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the industry approaches AMP8, suppliers like Ovarro are well-positioned to support water companies with their leakage management goals. By leveraging innovative technologies and adopting modern business models, the water sector is better equipped than ever to tackle leakage challenges and ensure the sustainability of water resources for the future.
