More than 700 homeowners in Kent, Hampshire, and Sussex participated in a trial of Leakbot technology conducted by Southern Water, revealing significant insights into water loss. The trial uncovered that over 4,000 litres of water were being lost daily due to faulty pipes and appliances. If these findings were applied to all homes in the Southern Water region, this would equate to an astonishing 5.8 mega litres of clean, treated water saved annually.
A striking example from the trial showed one home losing an extraordinary 720 litres of water every day—equivalent to more than seven full bathtubs. This leakage often stems from issues with loft storage tanks, which were the primary cause of alerts for 35 percent of the participants.
The findings highlight the challenges faced by homes in the South East, an area known for its ‘hard water’ due to high mineral levels. Limescale build-up can damage taps, toilets, pipes, and appliances, making these homes particularly vulnerable to leaks. While traditional water meters may indicate larger leaks, the Leakbot technology can detect losses as small as a teaspoon of water per minute by measuring air and water temperatures.
The Leakbot device clips onto the mains water supply pipe and connects to the home’s wireless network. When it detects a leak, it sends notifications to users via an app, allowing for early detection and helping to reduce water damage claims by 70 percent. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurers pay out approximately £1.8 million daily to customers with ‘escape of water’ claims on their home insurance, with nearly one in five claims related to damage caused by leaks.
Phil Tapping, Water Network Demand Manager for Southern Water, emphasizes the importance of reducing household leaks, stating, “No one wants to discover a leak through water flooding through their ceiling. Early detection helps homeowners avoid disruptive and costly water damage and could save our region up to 5.8 mega litres of water every year.”
Southern Water is committed to addressing the issue of water scarcity and aims to cut network leakage by 53 percent by 2050. The company is also dedicated to supporting households and businesses in reducing their water usage. Tapping adds, “Our region is already recognised as being water-stressed – we have less water per capita than Morocco – and it’s crucial we work together to address the enormous challenge we face through innovation, investment, and collaboration with our communities and partners.”
