Amount awarded: £1,332,205
Led by: Severn Trent Water Limited
Partners: Costain Group plc, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Focus Sensors, Northumbrian Water Limited, Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig, South Staffordshire Water plc
By 2030 the water industry must reduce leakage by 1 billion litres/day to ensure future water supplies. This requires step change innovation that is more accurate and affordable than current leak detection tools. We can deliver this by using the fibre-optic cables already adjacent to water mains as leak sensors. We demonstrated this concept in the first catalyst funding round (Dark Fibre 1). This project, Dark Fibre 2, builds on this work to solve remaining challenges, prove at scale and build industry confidence. We will then bring this to market to enable deep reductions in leakage whilst keeping customers’ bills low.
“Dark Fibre sensing has the potential to provide a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective way to detect leaks. Without the support of the fund, we would not have been able to trial this at the scale and pace needed to develop this solution to address the changing facing the water industry.” – Keiron Maher, Innovation Architect, Severn Trent Water
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Building upon the success of Dark Fibre 1, our current project aims to address the remaining challenges, demonstrate scalability, and instill industry confidence. As we conclude the planning and design phase, we are poised to enter the pilot installation stage. All trial locations have been confirmed, and Focus Sensors is diligently assessing costs related to ordering the fibre circuits. Concurrently, site visits are underway to evaluate internet connectivity at the designated Indus unit locations. Collaboratively, Focus Sensors and Sicom have engaged with fibre providers to ensure comprehensive coverage across rural, urban, and strategic trunk routes connecting population centres.
This is a continuation of the Innovation in Water Challenge winning initiative, Leak detection using dark fibre.
