Challenge
Ensuring the reliable delivery of water to communities is a paramount concern for water utilities worldwide.
In New South Wales, a major water supplier faced a growing challenge in managing a critical trunk water main that had never undergone a detailed internal inspection. This vital asset, responsible for supplying water to thousands of residents across several large towns, lacked any comprehensive assessment of its condition, raising concerns about potential leaks, structural degradation, and the risk of service disruptions.
Traditional pipeline inspection methods often require service shutdowns, causing inconvenience and potential hardship for customers. To avoid these disruptions, the water supplier sought a proactive solution that would provide a detailed assessment of the pipeline’s integrity while maintaining uninterrupted water service.
This client engaged Aqua Analytics to deploy the AquaSnake™ live pipeline inspection technology.
Solution
Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the trunk water main using the AquaSnake™ tethered inspection tool.
This advanced technology allows for detailed visual assessment and leak detection within live pipelines, providing valuable insights into their condition without service interruption.
The methodology of undertaking a live trunk main inspection is as follows:
- AquaSnake™ Deployment: Aqua Analytics' skilled technicians deployed the AquaSnake™ tool into the trunk main, navigating it through over 600 meters of pipeline.
- High-Definition CCTV Inspection: The AquaSnake™ captured high-definition CCTV footage of the pipeline's interior, providing a real-time view of its condition.
- Leak Detection and Analysis: The AquaSnake™ simultaneously conducted acoustic leak detection, listening for any signs of water loss.
- Detailed Reporting: Aqua Analytics compiled a comprehensive report, including the CCTV footage, leak detection analysis, and observations on the pipeline's condition.
Results and Findings
- No Leaks Detected: The AquaSnake™ inspection confirmed that the trunk main was free from leaks, providing the council with peace of mind regarding its immediate operational integrity.
- Valuable Asset Intelligence: The high-definition CCTV footage revealed valuable information about the pipeline's internal condition, including areas of cement lining delamination, cracking, and other potential concerns.
- Proactive Maintenance: The detailed inspection data empowered the council to make informed decisions regarding the pipeline's future maintenance and rehabilitation needs, optimizing its lifespan and preventing costly failures.
Conclusion
Aqua Analytics’ AquaSnake™ inspection provided this regional council with critical insights into the condition of their vital trunk water main by undertaking real-time pipeline inspection.
By proactively assessing the pipeline’s integrity, the council can now implement targeted maintenance strategies, extend the asset’s lifespan, and ensure a reliable water supply for their community. This case study highlights the importance of utilising advanced technologies like AquaSnake™ for proactive asset management, optimising infrastructure performance, and safeguarding essential services.
Aqua Analytics is a specialist provider of non-revenue water solutions to municipalities, councils and water authorities across Australia. They have various large-diameter leak detection tools to help water utilities and asset owners undertake pipeline inspection and analysis.
