Since we started our leak detection program in 2004, we have checked more than 5,600 kilometres of water pipes in our area and found and repaired more than 1,800 leaks. Most importantly, this work has saved more than 4.2 billion litres of drinking water in the last three years.

 

Our leak detection program has saved billions of litres of water

We surveyed 1,500 kilometres of pipes in 2007-08, which is around a third of our network.

In January 2008, we commenced a new stage of our leak detection program to ensure pipes in the Maribyrnong area were water tight. A crew hit the streets of Maidstone and West Footscray equipped with specialist technology to find leaks which may not be visible from the surface. The technology involves the use of listening sticks, which can detect a leak from a water meter or hydrant, and ground microphones, which listen for leaks through the surface. If a leak was located, a maintenance crew was sent to fix it.

While the program does focus on leaks in our own network, we also contact residents and businesses to alert them of a leak on their property if our investigations detect it.