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What we do about leaks

image depicting Leak detector Mel Hogan at work
Leak detector Mel Hogan at work
South West Water is an industry leader when it comes to tackling leakage. We have the lowest amount of water lost per kilometre of water main in the country.

Every year £7.5 million is spent on detecting and tackling leaks both in our network and in pipes owned by customers. Water flowing through 750 geographic zones is tracked by thousands of monitors to help calculate the location of bursts, which are often deep underground, and reduce the time between first identifying a potential leak and repairs.

We use a mix of traditional leak detection methods - inspectors with listening sticks - and high technology including remote monitoring of the 15,000 kilometre long network from the company's headquarters in Exeter.

Repair work is prioritised according to several factors including the size of each burst and whether they are a threat to public safety or a traffic obstruction. Leaks are not only caused by burst pipes - water can seep to the surface from underground springs or be forced upwards due to ground movement.

We are determined to maintain our leakage record by aiming to fix large bursts within 24 hours and significant leaks within three days. Sometimes though we cannot repair leaks as fast as we would like because we have to seek road closure orders from highways authorities or arrange access with landowners.

How you can help

Having thousands of pairs of eyes and ears helping us means we can pinpoint leaks and their causes quicker, so we are always grateful to anyone who takes the time to report a leak.

Let us know if you spot a leak in the street. Call our freephone leakline on 0800 230 0561 or use the Report a leak section.

If the leak you spot has blue paint sprayed around it - it means we're already on the case. Another way of checking progress is by checking on our realtime information service In your area

If you think you have a leak in your home, then this how to guide may help you to determine where it is.

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