UK Water Industry seeks ideas to minimise excavations as part of journey to tackle leakage

Published On 14/06/2021

The UK Water Industry is committed to making significant reductions in leakage to safeguard the supply-demand balance in the future, as well as delivering on the net zero roadmap. Safely and efficiently repairing leaks with the associated excavation activities are a key part of the challenge to reduce leakage, however current processes for excavating buried pipes are slow, disruptive, labour-intensive and can lead to unintentional damage to neighbouring assets.

United Kingdom Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is pleased to announce a new and exciting project to examine in detail the potential for transferring minimal excavation methods from outside the sector to the Water Industry. The project is being delivered by the Water Research Centre (WRc) with support from SGN and UKWIR member water companies.

The UK Water Industry is committed to making significant reductions in leakage to safeguard the supply-demand balance in the future, as well as delivering on the net zero roadmap. Safely and efficiently repairing leaks with the associated excavation activities are a key part of the challenge to reduce leakage, however current processes for excavating buried pipes are slow, disruptive, labour-intensive and can lead to unintentional damage to neighbouring assets.

This new project aims to identify potential technologies and processes as well as research worldwide which can help solve this problem, considering all aspects from pre excavation asset location through to reinstatement. The industry intends to set out a clear route map to overcome the associated challenges, adopt new processes and meet challenging leakage targets while also reducing disruption to customers.

Jeremy Heath, UKWIR programme lead for leakage said “Thanks to the recent work that the water companies carried out on leakage innovation heatmapping, it is clear that the industry needs an increased focus on repair technologies. This project will enable the water industry to identify existing repair solutions from other industries and also highlight the potential issues involved in adapting them for water pipes. The ability to repair water pipes quickly and more easily will have a positive impact on leakage and also reduce the impact of burst water mains.”

WRc, the lead contractor commissioned by UKWIR to undertake the work is undertaking a global technology search and review. They are keen to speak to anyone who has technologies, processes, ideas or opinions on this subject area. If you would like to find out more about the project or have something to include please make contact with WRc.

Leo Carswell, Principal Consultant at WRc comments: “this is an excellent opportunity for anyone who might have a solution that has been developed with a different sector or even for a different purpose to come forward and talk to us – its an opportunity to open up new markets and make a difference to society through reduced disruption on our roads and pavements as well as delivering enormous health, safety and wellbeing benefits.”

You can contact the project team at technology@wrcgroup.com