By Gareth Mitchell, UK Partner Manager, Heliot Europe
Gareth Mitchell, UK Partner Manager, Heliot Europe, discusses how the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and sub-gigahertz connectivity has emerged as a pivotal tool for leak detection and prevention.
UK water utilities are under increasing pressure with legislation – such as Ofwat’s regulatory targets and the Environment Agency’s guidelines – underscoring the need to find innovative solutions that detect and manage leaks more effectively.
The challenge
In the UK, over 1 trillion litres of water were estimated lost last year due to leaks – and 51 litres is wasted per person, per day in England and Wales, according to Ofwat. The Water Industry Act 1991 and regulatory targets set by Ofwat mandate that water utilities minimise leakage, especially as the UK’s water supplies face increasing pressure from population growth and climate change. Ageing infrastructure also plays a significant role.
For water utilities, the task of managing and identifying leaks extends to complex infrastructure networks, often decades old, where corroded pipes, weather damage, and structural shifts contribute to undetected leaks. Identifying faults in these extensive networks, especially in older urban areas, is challenging but essential.
Addressing complex needs
Traditional methods, like visual inspections and physical audits, are often unable to address the complexity and scale of the issue effectively. IoT technology and sub-gigahertz connectivity enables water companies to continuously monitor their infrastructure, identify leaks in real time, and respond quickly to significant water loss.
Additionally, the Environment Agency’s Water Resource Management Plan 2050 outlines the growing need for water conservation in the UK. Advanced leak detection solutions can help meet these regulatory requirements, while contributing to national water conservation goals.
A solution
Unlike periodic manual inspections or waiting for pressure drops in the system, IoT enabled sensors can monitor moisture levels, flow rates, and pipe integrity across extensive networks. When installed on critical points in water infrastructure, these sensors can detect issues at their earliest stages.
Low Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity, operating below 1GHz, provides a critical advantage over traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks in this area. These sub-gigahertz technologies allow for long-range communication capabilities, deep penetration of building materials like steel and concrete, and reliable transmission from underground installations. What’s more, due to lower power consumption compared to alternatives, these devices can last much longer in the field. This is crucial for devices buried underground or under floorboards, which require significant maintenance work to check and replace.
Beyond early detection, the systems can also enable immediate automated responses. For instance, when a leak is detected, sensors in some pipes could – for argument’s sake – activate an electro-mechanical valve to physically shut off an entire water supply instantly, preventing further damage.
Benefits for utilities, regulatory compliance and conservation
The shift from manual leak detection to automated, data-driven monitoring offers substantial benefits in terms of efficiency and regulatory compliance. IoT enabled sensors and LPWAN technology offer continuous monitoring of infrastructure, identifying potential leaks early and preventing water loss at a scale that manual inspections struggle to match.
IoT-based solutions also provide critical insights into water networks, particularly in densely populated urban areas with ageing infrastructure. For example, real-time data on moisture and flow rates tracked via IoT devices enables utilities to pinpoint hidden leaks before they escalate, ensuring swift action to minimise water loss.
Conclusion
IoT and sub-gigahertz connectivity (e.g. LPWAN) offers a modern, scalable approach to water leakage issues for water companies. They can help meet regulatory standards more effectively, reduce costs, and contribute to water conservation.
As water infrastructure continues to be modernised in line with government targets, these solutions are poised to play a vital role in the future of water management and resource efficiency.