Permanent Leak Detection for Water Pipelines: Using Technology to Identify Leaks Prior to Pipeline Failures

Water main breaks are the most visible consequences of deteriorating water infrastructure. The impact of leaks and their subsequent repair interrupt customer service and directly add cost to water utilities operation. These deteriorating pipes tend to leak and carry a higher risks of catastrophic failure. In many distribution and transmission main networks, leaks can run for extended periods of time without surfacing, adding to subsurface damage and loss of water intended to serve the customer. To minimize water loss and maintain customer levels of service, water system managers turn their attention to leak detection and efficient response time. In 2009, American Water agreed to participate with Echologics on the development of fixed leak detection technology for water distribution systems, using acoustic technology. Additionally, Echologics undertook a program to develop an acoustic-based fixed leak detection technology for use on large diameter water transmission mains constructed of common materials such as pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe, steel, asbestos cement, cast iron, and ductile iron. After successful field trials, the first commercial hydrant-based fixed leak detection system was installed in 2014. The field trials successfully identified the inception of a leak and tracked its relatively rapid progression over several weeks. The leak was repaired before the pipeline ruptured. In the six months after the first commercial system was installed, it detected 44 leaks, most of which had not surfaced before repairs were made. A transmission fixed leak detection system was installed in Nevada to monitor a large diameter transmission main. The system identified a suspected leak, and has continuously monitored it over an extended period of time. The acoustic profile of the leak remains stable allowing the utility to select the right time to intervene and investigate. These fixed leak detection monitoring technologies drastically improve the way water main leaks are identified, prioritized, and repaired: Reduce the risks of catastrophic pipe failures Monitor leak progression, and prioritize field crew schedules Identify non-revenue water from non-surfacing leaks Improve customer service through proactive planning and notification Reduce pipe repair costs including reduction for emergency (overtime) repairs