Challenge
The water utility faced a critical situation with two adjacent water mains (DN600 and DN100) that had each experienced catastrophic failures within 12 months. These failures caused significant service disruptions costly repairs, and posed a potential risk to public safety in a high-profile area of Sydney. The utility urgently needed a proactive solution to monitor the mains’ condition while renewal planning was underway.
Solution
Aqua Analytics was engaged to develop and implement a real-time leak and burst monitoring strategy for the two critical water mains. The solution involved:
- Deployment of Advanced Monitoring Technology: Aqua Analytics strategically deployed a combination of Ovarro Enigma Accelerometers and Enigma HYQ3 Hydrophones across both water mains. These sensors continuously monitored the pipelines for acoustic signals indicative of leaks or developing bursts.
- Real-Time Data Transmission: The sensors transmit data daily via the cellular network to Ovarro's LeakVision software platform. This platform provided real-time visualisation and analysis of the data, allowing Aqua Analytics to identify anomalies and potential issues promptly.
- 24/7 Monitoring and Alerts: Aqua Analytics' team of experts continuously monitored the data from the LeakVision platform, providing 24/7 surveillance of the water mains. Automated alerts were triggered in response to significant changes in acoustic signals, ensuring immediate notification of potential leaks or bursts.
- Proactive Response and Repair: Aqua Analytics promptly notified the water utility upon receiving alerts, enabling rapid response and repair actions. This proactive approach helped prevent small leaks from escalating into major failures, minimising disruption to the water supply and reducing repair costs.
Results
- Early Leak Detection and Repair: During the monitoring period, a small leak was detected and repaired within days, preventing it from developing into a larger main break.
- No Further Catastrophic Failures: The real-time monitoring system prevented any further catastrophic failures of the water mains while renewal planning was underway.
- Improved Asset Management: The continuous monitoring data provided valuable insights into the mains' condition, enabling the utility to optimise its asset management strategies and prioritise renewal efforts.
- Enhanced Public Safety: By proactively addressing potential leaks and bursts, the project contributed to the safety and well-being of the community in the high-profile area.
Client Benefits
- Risk Mitigation: The real-time monitoring system significantly reduced the risk of unexpected main failures, minimising service disruptions and potential safety hazards for the nearby community.
- Reputation Management: Preventing further main breaks helped protect the utility’s reputation, avoiding negative media scrutiny and public concern.
- Cost Savings: By preventing major failures, the project saved the utility significant costs associated with emergency repairs and water loss.
- Proactive Maintenance: The monitoring data enabled a proactive approach to maintenance, ensuring the continued reliable operation of the water mains until their renewal.
- Turnkey Solution: Aqua Analytics provided a complete end-to-end solution, including planning, deployment, monitoring, and reporting, minimising the burden on the utility's resources.
Conclusion
Aqua Analytics’ implementation of a real-time leak and burst monitoring system proved to be a critical intervention for the water utility. By leveraging advanced technology and expert analysis, the project successfully prevented further catastrophic failures, reduced water loss, and ensured a reliable water supply to a vital part of Sydney. This case study highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and rapid response in safeguarding critical water infrastructure and minimising community disruptions.
