Affinity Water changing the economics of leak detection with PermaNet+

- HWM chosen as partner in move towards permanent monitoring to reduce leakage -

Affinity water has partnered with Multi-utility monitoring and telemetry specialist HWM to target significant reduction in leakage rates using PermaNET+ fixed network telemetry.

“Using the HWM PermaNET+ solution, we can continuously monitor 25% of our network, identifying leaks in a matter of hours rather than days that it takes using conventional techniques and technologies” said Drew Ritchie, Managing Director of Wholesale Operations at Affinity water. 

Affinity already use HWM datalogging technology to monitor their network’s performance, but the addition of PermaNET+ will significantly enhance leak detection across the network.

PermaNET+ plus represents the next stage in the development of noise logging.  Data generated by the noise logger is automatically sent to the user, removing the need to visit site to carry out data collection.  Data transmission is achieved through a combination of GPRS cellular communication or SMS.  The unit also sends an audio file for remote monitoring and correlation for leak confirmation.  PermaNET+ is located entirely below ground, making it less intrusive and much more practical for large scale deployment.

These features are critical to the long-term leakage reduction plan of Affinity water, who have set ambitious targets for improvement of their network.  “Of all of the UK water companies, at Affinity Water we’ve set ourselves the largest percentage leakage reduction over the current 5-year (AMP6) planning period.” explains Drew, “We’re achieving this with Halma PermaNET+, challenging industry thinking and methodologies to change the economics of finding leaks.”  

By permanently monitoring water network infrastructure without extensive site visits, PermaNET+ identifies leaks much more quickly and allows for rapid deployment to fix any leaks that do occur.  This significantly reduces both the amount of water loss and the cost of identifying leaks within a water network.   

 “The programme will be completed in May 2017, with the installation of 20,000 PermaNET+ systems.”  This a long-term commitment to excellence in leakage reduction from Affinity water, as Drew explains “We are looking forward to working with HWM over the next 10 years to enhance the system and use leakage information in new and innovative ways.  Our customers deserve the best.  Together, we will meet the challenges defined in our business plan.”