In the ongoing challenge to reduce water loss and improve network efficiency, technology plays a critical role. At Crowder, we believe in leveraging the best tools available to find more leaks, faster, in more areas than using only traditional methods of leak detection. Here’s how modern technology is transforming water leakage detection across our industry.
Enhanced Capabilities Beyond Human Senses
Certain tasks in leak detection are simply beyond traditional human capabilities—but not beyond technology. For instance:
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Hydrophones can detect subtle sounds of water escaping pipes through background noise and over huge distances that are inaudible to the human ear, helping us pinpoint leak locations with remarkable precision.
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Frequency analysis allows us to differentiate between relevant leak noises and unrelated sources like electrical interference or gas mains, saving valuable time in the diagnostic process.
Accelerating Leak Detection
Time is a crucial factor in managing water loss. Advanced tools significantly reduce the time it takes to identify and locate leaks:
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Lift and Shift or Semi-Permanent Logger sweeps: Cover large areas quickly, outperforming traditional sounding methods and using our model allowing several DMAs to be surveyed simultaneously.
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AI-driven DMA (District Metered Area) analysis: Our partnership with Leakmited predicts which mains are most likely to leak, helping our team focus their efforts where it matters most.
Breaking Down DMAs with Temporary Metering
To isolate issues more effectively within a DMA, we use temporary metering strategies:
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Ultrasonic meters placed in existing chambers or alongside large network assets allow us to sub-divide DMAs into smaller, more manageable zones.
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Flow loggers installed on existing unlogged meters provide real-time data to help break down larger areas or precisely monitor network operations like step tests to isolate anomalies faster.
Differentiating Legitimate Use from Actual Leakage
Not all high water use is leakage. Identifying legitimate users ensures our leakage data remains accurate:
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We analyse meter reading data to identify high-use customers like golf courses, caravan parks, or industrial facilities.
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These customers can then be temporarily monitored with data loggers. If their usage is consistent and significant, we recommend permanent logging installations, ensuring their use is no longer counted as leakage.
Improving Leak Pinpointing Accuracy
The more precisely we can locate a leak, the less disruption we cause:
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Ground microphones help isolate peak noise and filter out irrelevant background sounds, homing in on the leak's location.
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Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) assist in confirming the position of metallic pipes underground, reducing guesswork.
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With improved accuracy, fewer and smaller holes need to be dug, significantly reducing both cost and time of repair.
Empowering Detection Teams with Better Resources
Access to real-time, reliable information makes field teams more effective:
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Interactive maps with live flows, pressures and job tracking providing field teams with up-to-date data on DMA flows, leak detection tasks, ongoing repairs, and other essential details.
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Digital network maps available on mobile devices replace paper maps or laptops, offering a more durable and efficient solution for asset location and correlation work.
Creating a Valuable Historical Record
Every test we perform contributes to a growing knowledge base:
- By maintaining a record of previous tests, we avoid re-investigating already ruled-out noise sources, saving time and resources.
At Crowder Consulting, we're committed to staying at the forefront of water leakage detection through the smart use of technology. By continuously refining our methods and tools, we help ensure a more sustainable and efficient water network for the communities we serve.
Interested in learning more about how technology can reduce water loss in your network? Contact our team today.
