Service difficulties
and emergency
service: 13 20 90
Preventing leaks
Sydney Water inspects 21,000 km of pipes every year to help prevent leaks. Laid end to end that's the distance from Sydney to Los Angeles and back.
By investing over $100 million a year we have reduced leaks significantly. Since 2003 we have reduced leaks by over 30 billion litres per year. This has been achieved through:
- active leak detection and repair
- reducing pressure in the pipes
- placing meters on the pipe system to detect leaks
- improving response time to main breaks
- replacing old pipes.
Active leak detection and repair
Leak detection and repair is a major priority for Sydney Water. Our active leak detection and repair program uses world best practice to detect and repair hidden leaks and reduce the amount of water lost to underground leaks.
To inspect for hidden leaks we use acoustic devices that pick up the noise water makes as it leaks from a pipe.
Like all water pipe networks around the world, Sydney Water's system has leaks and breaks. Leaks are caused by deterioration of joints and fittings, and by cracks in the pipes caused by ground movement or pressure changes.
Our active leak detection and repair program saves about billion litres of water a year.
Reducing pressure
High water pressure contributes to burst water mains, leaks and water waste. Our Water Pressure Management Program helps reduce leaks, improves the reliability of the water supply system and saves water.
We use pressure regulating valves and system monitoring points to achieve more consistent and lower water pressure levels across the water supply system.
Areas experiencing high water pressure and frequent leaks or breaks are our priority targets for pressure management. This work also helps to prolong the life of water pipes and saves water.
During 2008-09 we carried out 48 pressure management projects in high pressure areas. In 2009-10 we are carrying out 30 pressure management projects.
Managing water pressure helps save water
Water pressure is energy that helps move water. We need water pressure in pipes to move water around our system. The water's pressure is controlled by a series of valves and system monitoring. These help us increase or reduce the water pressure as required.
Typically, water is distributed by gravity from reservoirs. Reservoirs are usually located at geographical high points and water flows from them under gravity, through the pipe system to your water taps. This means homes in low areas have high water pressure and homes in higher locations have lower water pressure.
Areas with high or inconsistent water pressure may also have more leaks and breaks. We use the valves and monitoring equipment to proactively manage water pressure in these areas to help reduce leaks and breaks.
What if you experience water pressure problems?
. Firstly make sure the tap on your water mater or hot water system or other devices are fully turned, if the problem continues
. Call a licensed plumber
. Call 1800 010 501 for further information about the Water Pressure Management Program
Checking the flow
We place flow meters on the pipe system to help identify where leaks occur. During 2008-09 we installed 13 new flow meters and renewed 22 existing meters.
This work helps us detect leaks to continue to improve and maintain water savings.
Replacing old pipes
In 2008-09 we replaced over 100 km of old pipes.