Levelling up leak detection to save water

Published on 11 January 2024

The NSW Government’s $4.4 million Active Leak Detection Project is marching into 15 more councils for the next stage of work over the summer months to deliver water savings in regional communities using state-of-the-art technology.

With many parts of the state already experiencing drought conditions, reducing water loss is critical. $1 million has been injected into the project that has already surveyed more than 12,300kms of mains. This has saved 5.3 billion litres of water or the equivalent of 2,120 Olympic-sized swimming pools so far across 54 local government areas.

Specialist teams use cutting-edge equipment including leak noise loggers, electronic listening sticks, ground microphones, and leak noise correlators to detect and pinpoint leaks, before reporting them to the local council for repair. This ensures a more robust and efficient water network.

Eurobodalla Shire, Wingecarribee Shire, Snowy Monaro Regional, Walgett Shire, Narrabri Shire, Berwarrina Shire, Warren Shire, Muswellbrook Shire, Tweed Shire, Cowra Shire, MidCoast, Ballina Shire, Central Darling Shire, Murray River and Armidale Regional Councils are having their pipes and valves inspected between now and March 2024.

The additional funding is part of the NSW Government’s $12.5 million Regional Leakage Reduction Program, which last year provided $1.3 million worth of grants to 13 local water utilities to assist them with staff training, technology, pressure management, leakage control and metering. 

For more information, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plans-and-programs/water-efficiency/regional-leakage-reduction-program