A vital aspect of the Water Efficiency Program is addressing network leakage and water loss as a priority. The Regional Leakage Reduction Program seeks to solve this problem.
A vital aspect of the Water Efficiency Program is addressing network leakage and water loss as a priority. The need to focus on local water utilities’ network leakage and water losses became apparent during the drought and has been reinforced during consultation with Councils and the broader sector as part of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program.
The department is undertaking a program in collaboration with the NSW Water Directorate and local water utilities that target the pillars of effective leakage management. The program focuses on where the NSW Government can provide the most value to local water utilities. It will enhance their ability to identify leaks and target and fix leaks as part of their asset management framework. The program’s first stage aims to save up to 7.5 billion litres of water by the end of 2024.
Part of the program involves the department providing specialist leak detectors. They use technology such as high-powered listening devices to pinpoint leaks in pipes, meters and valves, allowing local water utilities to act quickly to fix leaks. This partnership approach is positive for both the utilities and their communities.
Regional Leakage Reduction Program status
Twenty-two regional Local Government Areas have participated in the leak detection component of the Regional Leakage Reduction Program to date. More than 2600 kilometres of water mains have been surveyed and over 900 leaks detected. Many of these pipes have already been repaired by local water utilities, saving more than 700 million litres per year.
The department will engage service providers to work closely with local water utilities to survey a further 5000km of the pipeline before June 2023 and an additional 2500km later that year.
Other DPE co-funded projects are underway across another 24 Local Government Areas to improve water supply infrastructures. These projects include such as bulk water meters and network pressure reduction valves. They will further enhance their ability to minimise water leakage.
If you want to get involved, please register your interest by emailing water.efficiencyprogram@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
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