Affinity Water will roll out the use of step testing to find leaks across its network with minimal interruption for customers.
The technique is not widely used and relies on underground assets being well-mapped. Engineers turn valves on and off in segments of pipe to isolate a part of the network to find a leak or pressure fluctuation. The “process of elimination” divides stretches of pipe into smaller areas to pinpoint where a problem is.
The company trialled the method and is set to introduce it at specific across its region that will benefit most greatly from it.
Tom Aspinall, head of leakage operations at Affinity, said the company’s knowledge of its network of pipes and valves had enabled engineering teams to use the method.
“Many other water companies do not have accurate mapping of their network or the infrastructure to enable them to do so,” Aspinall said. “I think it is great that we know our network so well and have the right infrastructure in place which has enabled us to use this method to narrow down large geographic areas and find leaks.”
The company was tasked by Ofwat as part of its final determination to reduce leakage by 20 per cent by 2025 and to reduce PCC by 12.5 per cent in the coming five years.
Jake Rigg, director of corporate communications, explained that the introduction of step testing demonstrated the company’s dedication to leakage detection work to its customers and the high priority it is placing on meeting leakage targets.
“We can do this work without adding extra costs to customers’ bills, so it is a win, win, for Affinity Water and a win, win for our customers.”
Earlier this year, chief executive Pauline Walsh said dividends would be reinvested for the next five years to tackle leakage and protect the environment.
The work will take place at night to minimise inconvenience to customers.
To make a significant dent in its PCC target the company has launched a dedicated campaign called #WhyNotWater to educate people on the value of water and encourage wiser consumption of it. The aims of this are being promoted by Utility Week as part of our Mind the Tap series.