Northumbrian Water is using drones to help find and fix leaks, particularly in hard-to-reach rural areas.
The recent cold weather – interspersed with periods of milder temperatures – has seen the ground become hard and then soggy and saturated, leading to more risk of pipes, valves and fittings failing.
In one seven-day spell this winter, Northumbrian Water’s leakage team found and fixed over 300 leaks – three times the usual average amount.
As some leaks and bursts naturally occur in rural hard-to-reach areas, the drones were used to cover large areas that would otherwise require leakage technicians to check for signs of water on foot – a long, laborious process.
The drones are flown along large stretches of pipe looking for bursts; once one is found, it can be easily located by the team, with repairs completed quickly.
Using drones also helps avoid the need to physically drive onto land and into fields, reducing damaging land and disturbing livestock – while keeping the team safe.
Jim Howey, Head of Water Networks at Northumbrian Water, said: “We use drones across our business for a variety of reasons, but this is the first time we have used them for detecting leaks in this way.
“It’s a great way for us to cover larger areas of land in a shorter time, meaning that we can spend more time on fixes and protect our precious water resources.”
Last year, the company announced they would also be using satellite technology to detect underground leaks – using unique AI software modelling to spot subtle changes in soil or streets surrounding the pipe that could indicate escaping water.
The unique system – developed by Origin Tech of Gateshead – is a world-first solution which locates and repairs leaks in a single visit.
Once a potential leak is found, field teams can get to work immediately, using Origin’s No Dig technology – a gel-like solution injected into pipework, forming a seal around cracks and hols.
Northumbrian Water has used Origin No Dig® since 2023 wherever possible to speed up repairs, avoiding the need to dig up roads and pavements.
Northumbrian Water’s Head of Water Networks, Jim Howey, said: “We’re very excited about the introduction of Origin Find and Fix™ technology, which means we can detect and repair leaks before they even show at the surface.
“It’s an innovative project which, when used alongside our traditional methods of leak detection, is helping us to respond faster than ever, reduce disruption and more importantly protect water supplies.
“It’s a smarter, more efficient way of working that benefits both our customers and the environment.”
John Marsden, Founder/Director at Origin Tech said, “We are redefining how water utilities approach leak detection and repair.
“This innovative system demonstrates how advanced technology can drive real-world sustainability and cost savings and allow water companies to offer a better service to customers.”
