Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a full condition assessment and leak-detection inspection of a critical trunk main in Sydney following a recorded pipe failure in May 2025.
The main, constructed from ageing cast iron, runs beneath an active railway corridor, making it one of the most difficult water assets in the network to inspect using conventional methods.
Using the AquaSnake in-pipe inspection platform which has a 1,000 meter tether, Aqua Analytics delivered a complete acoustic and CCTV condition assessment of the full pipe length under live operating pressure, with no service shutdown, no excavation, and no disruption to rail operations (or requirements to enter the rail corridor).
This project presented a combination of challenges that are common across ageing water infrastructure networks, but rarely occur together at this scale:
Aqua Analytics deployed the AquaSnake platform, a specialist in-pipe inspection tool designed for live, pressurised water mains.
AquaSnake is inserted through a standard access point and travels through the main under operating conditions, eliminating the need for dewatering or service interruption.
For this project, the AquaSnake platform was configured to deliver two simultaneous inspection methods across the full length of the trunk main:
The acoustic inspection module assessed the structural integrity of the cast iron pipe wall along the entire run. Acoustic-based inspection is particularly effective on metallic pipes, detecting areas of wall loss, corrosion, and internal deterioration that may not be visible to a camera. The data collected provides a quantitative condition profile that can be directly used for risk modelling and remaining service life assessment.
Simultaneously, a high-definition CCTV survey captured a full visual record of the pipe’s internal condition including joint condition, lining integrity, corrosion patterns, encrustation, and any evidence of structural distress. The CCTV footage provides a permanent, auditable record of asset condition at the time of inspection.
By delivering both acoustic and CCTV inspection in a single deployment, Aqua Analytics provided the asset owner with a comprehensive, multi-method condition dataset covering the full pipe length, including the previously un-inspected sections beneath the railway corridor. No second mobilisation was required.
AquaSnake is purpose-built for the inspection challenges that conventional methods cannot solve when it comes to larger diameter trunk water mains. It is the right tool when:
For water utilities and infrastructure owners managing ageing networks, live in-pipe inspection removes the single biggest barrier to condition knowledge: the cost and operational complexity of shutting down.
Aqua Analytics delivers trunk main inspection services across Sydney and nationally.
Our teams combine deep technical expertise with a practical, no-disruption approach. We are trusted by water utilities and asset owners to inspect assets that others can’t reach.
Get in touch to discuss your pipeline inspection and assessment requirements.
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.
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:
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.
