UK’s South West Water to deploy 6,000 IoT devices in leak detection plan

In a bold move to combat water wastage, South West Water has announced the deployment of 6,000 advanced leak detection devices in Devon and Cornwall, aiming to address leaks within customer premises directly. This initiative, set to commence next month, involves a six-month trial of LeakBots – smart technology designed to pinpoint internal water leaks.

LeakBots work by being attached to a water pipe close to the customer’s internal stop tap. They monitor water flow continuously, alerting homeowners via smartphone notifications if a leak is detected. For leaks that customers cannot resolve independently, South West Water offers the service of sending an engineer to perform repairs at no additional cost.

David Harris, Drought and Resilience Director at South West Water, expressed enthusiasm for the innovative approach: “Adopting new technologies, in conjunction with traditional methods, is key to effectively reducing leakage. Given that approximately 30% of leaks occur on customer properties, engaging our customers in leak detection is vital. We anticipate that LeakBot will significantly aid in swift leak identification and repair.”

This trial is part of a broader strategy by South West Water to enhance water efficiency among its customers and to address the area’s leakage issues. The water provider has been increasingly successful in identifying and fixing leaks, reporting the repair of approximately 2,000 leaks monthly through both conventional and innovative methods. These include satellite technology to detect underground leaks, drone surveillance over difficult terrains such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, and even specially trained dogs to locate leaks in challenging environments.

Craig Foster, CEO of Ondo, the creators of LeakBot, highlighted the device’s proven effectiveness: “Prior trials have shown that LeakBot can reduce household water leaks by 60%. Collaborating with South West Water enables us to extend our impact on reducing water waste regionally. We are eager to see the outcomes from the initial distribution of 6,000 devices.”

This pioneering approach by South West Water represents a significant step forward in managing water resources more effectively, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions in environmental conservation and customer service.

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