Leakage Big Question moves on to specific projects

Leakage Big Question moves on to specific projects

Published On 10/12/2017

At the UKWIR Autumn Advisory Group Meeting, Programme Lead for Leakage, Northumbrian Water’s Dennis Dellow, described the roadmap produced to guide UKWIR’s Leakage Big Question. It clearly sets out progress so far and the routes the programme will take. The roadmap is available on the UKWIR website. Dennis was pleased to report that six reports have now been produced as part of phase one of the programme as follows;

Basic mechanisms of bursts and leakage - Surrey University

Covers the subject of the basic mechanisms that control bursts and leakage that, typically, stem from the materials that are used in the various UK water networks and the manner in which they degrade over time.

Leakage detection by acoustic methods - Southampton University

Focuses on research related to detection and location methods which exploit acoustics and/or vibration in some form. This includes correlation methods, acoustic emission methods and optical fibre sensing methods. Thus the work extends beyond those methods which are traditionally thought to be ‘acoustic’. The work focuses on both potential enhancements to existing technologies and possibilities for novel techniques.

Leakage detection by non- acoustic methods – WRc


Focuses on non-acoustic methods of leak detection and location. It is complemented by a review of acoustic methods that has been carried out by the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton.

Leak repair techniques – WRc

Focuses on leak repair techniques and in particular no-dig solutions to water leakage.

Laying leak free new networks  - WRc

Identifies the issues (design, materials and workmanship) that currently contribute to high leakage rates and to examine how changes to current installation practices or the need for new techniques are required to facilitate laying leak-free new networks.

Water accounting and quantification methods - Strategic Management Consultants

Considered the current sector knowledge in the UK and overseas relating to the quantification of leakage.  A detailed technical review of the area, including each aspect of the ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ assessment of leakage estimates and all factors which comprise the reported leakage key performance indicator, has been undertaken. 

Phase one has helped to formulate a roadmap and to commission specific research projects. Dennis Dellow and UKWIR’s Mandy Fletton have been courting universities to find the best research expertise to compliment the list of consultants with skills in this field of work. The projects due in phase 2 will emphasise this wider access to knowledge.