South West Water has repaired more than 26,700 leaks across Devon and Cornwall over the last 12 months – the equivalent of 73 leaks a day - as part of its ongoing work to tackle leakage and improve network resilience across the region.
With the South West experiencing five heatwaves this summer, and hot, dry weather placing additional pressure on water resources, finding and fixing leaks is more important than ever.
Alongside supporting customers with using water wisely, South West Water is investing in specialist teams, new technology and its network to find hidden leaks earlier and reduce water loss.
Over the last 12 months, South West Water has:
- Repaired more than 26,700 leaks
- Detected 12.5% more leaks
- Continued investing in specialist leak detection technology, including acoustic monitoring and leak detection dogs
- Supported customers after identifying that around 30% of leaks are associated with customer-owned pipework
South West Water has also doubled the size of its leakage detection teams since 2020, helping identify and repair leaks more quickly across the region.
Finding and prioritising leaks
Many leaks are hidden underground beneath roads, footpaths and fields, making them difficult to identify without specialist equipment.
To locate hidden leaks, South West Water's dedicated leakage teams use acoustic monitoring technology, satellite imagery, drones and specially trained leak detection dogs.
Once identified, each leak is assessed based on factors including the volume of water being lost, potential impact on customers, environmental impact and any safety risks.
This enables teams to prioritise repairs where they can make the greatest immediate difference while planning more complex repairs safely and effectively.
Around 30% of the leaks identified by South West Water are associated with customer-owned pipework. The company supports customers through repair schemes and water efficiency initiatives, helping identify and tackle leaks on private property.
Chris Kingscott, Supporting Active Leakage Control Project Officer from South West Water, said: "Customers rightly expect us to tackle leakage, particularly at a time when water resources are under increased pressure and people are being asked to use water wisely. That's why reducing leakage remains one of our biggest priorities.
"Over the last 12 months we've repaired more than 26,700 leaks across the region, while continuing to invest in new technology and specialist teams to help find hidden leaks faster and target repairs where they can make the biggest difference.
"With the region experiencing five heatwaves this summer, water resources and our leocal natural environment are under additional pressure. Finding and fixing leaks remains an important part of protecting water resources and the environment, alongside helping customers use water wisely and building a more resilient network for the future."