The landscape of leakage technology within the UK water sector has undergone significant transformation over the last five years, as advances in remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and data management emerge as vital tools to improve water supply efficiency. Roland Leslie, Ovarro’s UK and Ireland sales lead, highlighted these developments in anticipation of the Annual Leakage Conference scheduled to take place in Birmingham, UK, on 2-3 December 2024.
Emerging technologies are reshaping the approach to leakage detection across the industry, bolstered by digital solutions designed during the 2020-2025 investment period (AMP7). According to Leslie, these innovations enable water companies to identify and respond to leaks more quickly and efficiently than traditional methods. "As we look toward AMP8, regulators are expecting companies to capitalise on new technologies and data availability to maximise leakage management activities," he stated, referencing the Environment Agency’s (EA) 2023-24 analysis on the water resource performance of the sector.
To achieve the challenging leakage targets expected in the upcoming AMP period, the industry must enhance the adoption of modern technologies and adopt a mindset geared towards innovation and change. In light of ongoing skills shortages within the sector, new methodologies in leakage management may also help alleviate resource concerns. Several water companies plan to increase investment in active leakage control during AMP8, although many report apprehensions regarding their capacity to meet these labour demands.
One notable trend gaining traction is the implementation of as-a-service models, where external partners manage and maintain infrastructure through subscription-based agreements. These collaborations allow water companies to refocus on the core responsibility of managing water systems while entrusting data analysis to specialists. Ovarro's LeakNavigator, an end-to-end leakage platform, exemplifies this trend, accurately identifying points of interest (POIs) and directly alerting field technicians for efficient response to leaks.
Concerns linger in the sector regarding how climate-induced extreme weather events, such as freeze-thaw cycles and droughts, could affect customer service and leakage figures. Historical data indicates that while 2023-24 did not experience prolonged temperature extremes, preparation for such conditions remains essential. The EA remarked, “it is critical the industry ensures preparedness for these kinds of events,” considering the pronounced vulnerability of pipes during these weather extremes.
In anticipation of these challenges, companies within the supply chain have recognised that extreme weather events are likely to become more prevalent due to climate change. Ovarro’s EnigmaREACH, a lift-and-shift correlating hub developed in collaboration with UK water companies, is poised to facilitate rapid leak identification. This technology enables leakage technicians to cover broader areas compared to traditional methodologies, thus providing an expedient solution during significant leakage scenarios, such as those occurring during freeze-thaw events or drought-related ground movements.
While the hurdles faced by the water sector remain formidable, the rapid advancements in leakage technology, enhanced data utilisation, and innovative business models position water companies to improve their operations more effectively than ever before. Ovarro and other suppliers are equipped with the necessary technology and expertise to support water companies in achieving their leakage management goals throughout AMP8 and beyond. Demonstrations of such technology will be showcased at the forthcoming Annual Leakage Conference on 2-3 December, where industry experts will discuss these emerging trends and future trajectories for the sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services