Media release – TasWater, 14 July 2021
New technology helps to identify leaks
In a bid to address water losses in the network, TasWater has implemented active leakage management, featuring technology that listens for leaks that may not be visible.
Around 40 Zonescans have been installed which listen for leaks within our systems and then pinpoints them on a map.
Unaccounted for water has been identified in the State of the Industry Report as an area in need of improvement, we are proud to be implementing this technology, along with other initiatives to address this issue.
TasWater Acting Department Manager Asset Strategy and Performance Matt Jordan said the Zonescans are being used across the state.
“They help us identify leaks, some of which that we know about but cannot find,” he said. “This technology also helps us find leaks that aren’t visible and would have previously gone undetected.”
Like other utilities, leaks come to the attention of TasWater through the customers calling and reporting them to the call centre, and staff out in the field who come across them, known as reported leaks.
This technology assists in a more proactive approach to leak detection, not just identifying and resolving reported leaks.
“The process of active leakage control involves teams of leakage detection staff sweeping an area using sounding techniques to find leaks, this is possible through technology such as the Zonescans,” Mr Jordan said. “If sweeping is carried out frequently, then leaks can be kept at a minimum.” “We are currently targeting areas which have a higher number of leaks and bursts, before we roll out this initiative more broadly.”
