Latest news with #waterleaks
Fox News
07-07-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Mini robots detect and fix water pipe leaks without digging
Fixing underground water pipes usually means digging up roads and sidewalks — a process that's disruptive and expensive. However, researchers at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. are working on a different approach. They've developed small robots called "Pipebots" that can travel inside water pipes to find and potentially repair leaks, all without any excavation. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my The U.K. has some of the oldest water systems in the world, with parts of the network still dating back to the Victorian era. Not surprisingly, many of these pipes are leaking, wasting about 790 million gallons of water every day. Fixing them usually means digging up streets, which causes major disruption and adds to the country's $5 billion a year maintenance costs. Pipebots are tiny, high-tech helpers designed to navigate the underground world of water pipes. Each one comes with acoustic sensors, cameras, and rugged wheels that help it move through tight, twisty spaces-while smart enough to steer clear of off-limits areas. They're dropped into the water system through hydrants and travel in groups, scanning the inside of pipes for even the smallest cracks. When they spot a problem, they send the details back to engineers above ground, making it easier to fix issues without digging anything up. These robots are part of a larger effort to modernize how the U.K. manages its aging water infrastructure. The initiative isn't just a university research project-it's supported by the U.K.'s water regulator, OFWAT (the Water Services Regulation Authority), and involves several collaborative projects. One of these projects focuses on using Pipebots to inspect live, pressurized wastewater pipes, also known as raising mains. The goal is to catch problems early and make repairs before leaks cause pollution. Another project, called "no dig leak repair," is working on ways to fix leaks from inside the water mains themselves, completely avoiding the need for disruptive roadwork. There's also the EU-funded Pipeon Project, which is developing advanced, AI-powered robots that can inspect sewers autonomously, without human guidance. These little robots could be exactly what countries everywhere need to keep their water systems running smoothly. They have the potential to make maintenance cleaner, more affordable, and way more efficient. That's especially important for developing countries where budgets are tight and infrastructure is aging or incomplete. As the pressure to conserve water grows, tools like Pipebots could make a real difference in helping us manage this vital resource more wisely. What water infrastructure challenges exist in your area, and do you think robots like these could help? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Ceredigion: Drought status upgraded as reservoir levels drop
Part of the water network has been declared a drought developing zone by Welsh Water after a period of dry weather. The Teifi Pools area of south and mid Ceredigion has experienced a drier than expected period between March and May, with reservoir levels 31% lower than at the same time last year. The reservoirs supply water to 32,000 properties in Ceredigion, as well parts of northern Carmarthenshire and developing status is the second of five stages Welsh Water uses to measure the level of drought, but does not restrict customers' use of water. But if reservoir water levels in the area do not improve over the next few weeks, Welsh Water might have to move to stage three and issue temporary bans on the use of water in the near mid and south Ceredigion network area is the only part of Wales that is under these it were necessary to move to drought status, Welsh Water would write to customers explaining the company said it had already taken steps to save water in the area, including conducting work to find and fix water leaks. Customers have also been urged to be mindful with their use of water. It said moving water from reservoirs in different parts of Wales to supply the region would not be May, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said all of Wales was being upgraded to "prolonged dry weather" followed the driest March since 1944 which left the majority of river flows at a currently or exceptionally low Davies, Welsh Water's director of water services, said the change to the drought status was aimed at preventing "further restrictions later in the year"."Following such a dry period it's essential that we all help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers," he added. What is the Drought Plan? The Welsh Water Drought Plan consists of six stages that determine the severity of the water the upgrade, the mid and south Ceredigion water network is now on stage it were to move to stage three, this would mean that the area is officially in a drought and a temporary ban, or hosepipe ban as its known, would be has experienced a drought before when it received just 56.7% of its expected rainfall between March and August and the Welsh government took the decision to trigger the drought status after the threshold was met in south-west areas affected included north Ceredigion, Teifi, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen, Swansea, Llanelli, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. How can you save water? Don't leave the tap running while washing hands or brushing teethTake a shower instead of a bathDon't fill the paddling pool to the top and when you've finished, use the water on the plants in the gardenDon't use a sprinkler on the lawn to keep it green – the colour will soon come back once it rainsWait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full before putting them Water said its Get Water Fit, external calculator also provided additional tips to save on water and water bills.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
The Technology Innovation Institute develops new drone technology to detect hidden water leaks from the sky
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has introduced a new application of its advanced drone-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This radar system uses high-frequency radio waves to create detailed, high-resolution images of the ground, to detect underground water leaks in urban and remote areas without excavation and ground removal. The announcement was made at the World Utilities Congress (WUC) 2025, underscoring the event's role in spotlighting innovative solutions for infrastructure and water security. Building on its multi-frequency imaging capabilities, this new application of TII's SAR system leverages P-, L-, and C radar signals– each one selected for its distinct advantages. P-band enables deeper subsurface penetration, L-band detects subtle fluctuations in soil moisture, and C-band provides high-resolution imaging of surface changes. Combined, these signals support the detection of anomalies and disturbances that may indicate underground water leaks, enhancing early intervention efforts in both urban and natural environments. Previously validated for archaeological and infrastructure use, the system is now optimized for sandy environments to detect leaks at depths of up to 40 meters, enabling utilities to identify and mitigate water losses from underground pipelines. This approach introduces a more efficient and sustainable way to monitor infrastructure conditions. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: 'This latest application of our SAR platform reinforces its versatility in tackling real-world challenges. By enabling non-invasive detection of water leaks, we'll be able to equip utility providers with intelligence that allows early detection of water leaks, helping to conserve one of the world's most vital resources.' By identifying leaks early and accurately without the need for excavation, utilities can significantly reduce water loss, lower maintenance costs, and avoid expensive infrastructure damage. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of pipeline networks but also supports more efficient resource management, delivering long-term savings for governments, municipalities, and utility providers alike. Dr. Felix Vega, Chief Researcher, Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), said: 'SAR's effectiveness depends on how well we can extract signal from noise, especially in complex environments like sandy terrains. Our latest work focused on enhancing backscatter analysis and coherence metrics to improve subsurface anomaly detection. This has allowed us to push the limits of airborne radar performance in ways that weren't possible even a year ago.' Compared to conventional sensors, TII's SAR solution provides broader coverage, higher resolution, and consistent performance across various terrains and weather conditions. With its scalable architecture and modular drone integration, the platform is suitable for use by urban utilities, desert infrastructure operators, and sectors such as agriculture and disaster response. As the UAE strengthens its national water security strategy, this technology arrives at an important time. By reducing water losses due to leakages, the SAR platform contributes to operational efficiency and supports climate resilience and sustainable resource management, which are goals aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 commitments. ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE (TII): The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 10 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation. For more information, visit
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Wolverhampton university tackles water leakage with AI satellites
University researchers in Wolverhampton have been awarded £1.3m to use AI-driven satellite technology to help solve the costly and time-consuming process of detecting water South Staffs Water, the team will build, launch and operate a fleet of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) micro satellites, which can find leaks "with unprecedented efficiency and precision".Using AI techniques with high-resolution satellite imagery, researchers said they want to deliver faster, more accurate and cost-effective monitoring of costs are projected to be at least 10 times lower than current satellite-based methods, the university said. Water loss is a persistent issue for the UK industry, with an estimated 19% of the supply lost before it reaches consumers, according to Water UK, costing £3.2bn annually across the utilities university said traditional detection methods, such as acoustic monitoring and tracer gas detection, are labour-intensive and inefficient, typically locating fewer than one leak per day per crew and costing between £250 and £2,000 per inspection. Other satellite-based technologies have improved detection rates, but high operational costs and image refresh rates of between seven and 14 days still limit their the £1.3m funding from water regulation service Ofwat's Innovation Fund, the team said they can create high-frequency imaging and have fresh data every six hours with sharper resolution to pinpoint AI-powered detection then reduces costs and enables rapid deployment beyond the UK, the university Mohammad Patwary, director of the university's digital innovation and solution centre (DISC) and project lead, said: "This Ofwat initiated opportunity marks a major innovation leap for the UK, enhancing the water industry's efficiency and infrastructure longevity, while creating a platform for critical sectors, like energy, transport, and telecom, and positioning the UK as a leader in LEO satellite-driven innovation and productivity."The team will use six satellites as part of the project called Space Eye and liaise with several other water firms in the UK. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Boss of stricken Thames Water defends £195,000 bonus and admits mothballed £250m desalination plant should never have been built - as he warns over summer hosepipe bans despite surging bills
The boss of stricken Thames Water today insisted he deserved a £195,000 bonus despite customers facing surging bills - and the threat of hosepipe bans this summer. Chris Weston defended accepting the bumper sum after just three months in the role, telling MPs he had 'stabilised' the company. But he acknowledged the supplier is still facing huge problems, suggesting a non-functional £250million desalination plant should never have been built. Appearing before the Commons Environment Committee, Mr Weston was also grilled about the firm losing 56million tonnes of water every day to leaks. He said he was 'confident we won't run out of water', but added: 'I'm not confident yet we won't have to restrict usage. That will depend on what weather does and what rainfall happens between now and the summer.' Thames Water is in at least £16billion of debt and was left on the brink of a possible taxpayer rescue as it was in danger of running out of cash. It recently won court approval to take out as much as £3billion more in loans, in a deal designed to keep it running into 2026. Meanwhile, customers have been hit with 31 per cent increases in bills this year - with more pain to come. Annual average bill changes 2025/26 Company 2024/25 2025/26 Change (£) Change (%) Anglian Water £527 £626 £99 19% Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) £503 £639 £136 27% Hafren Dyfrdwy £447 £590 £143 32% Northumbrian Water £426 £506 £79 19% Severn Trent Water £457 £556 £99 22% South West Water (south west region) £520 £686 £166 32% Southern Water £478 £703 £224 47% Thames Water £488 £639 £151 31% United Utilities £486 £598 £112 23% Wessex Water £556 £669 £113 20% Yorkshire Water £467 £602 £136 29% Asked about getting a £195,000 bonus three months into his tenure last year, Mr Weston insisted remuneration was not the main reason he joined Thames Water. 'I joined Thames because it matters to society,' he told the committee. 'And I think that within the first three months I did make a difference. I started to put in place the new organisation structure, I started to give people confidence and reassurance about how proud they could be of the job they did and what we were setting out to do. 'And that helped stabilise the company. I think that was important.' Later he revealed that frontline workers at Thames Water were getting bonuses of between 3 per cent and 6 per cent. Asked what his own potential bonus was as a percentage, Mr Weston said: 'My 'on target' performance can be 156 per cent.' He added: 'I accept it is a lot of money and I accept it is considerably more than the front line. We try and… offer packages that are competitive in the market so we can attract and retain the people that we need within the business.' Mr Weston said the 'crisis' at Thames Water had been 'decades in the making'. 'The company and the management has got it wrong… but equally I think the fundamental problem has been with the regulatory regime,' he said. 'There's lots that goes right, it's absolutely necessary we have a regulatory regime. 'But the regulatory regime needs to attract investment, it needs to allow for companies of different types, operating in different environments, and with different cost bases and also for companies that might be in trouble that they can turn around and improve their performance. 'I would argue the regulatory regime does not do that at the moment.' Despite choosing investment firm KKR as the sole bid to invest in ailing Thames Water, Mr Weston told MPs it was a 'very fluid situation', with the possibility the company could still fall into public ownership. He acknowledged that hundreds of millions of pounds in penalties Thames Water faces for missing performance targets made it more difficult for a new investor to come in. Asked whether, if the current process with KKR fails, it would be too late to go back to other potential investors, or if it would result in a special administration regime, Mr Weston said: 'It's a very fluid situation but those both are possibilities.' He said it would depend on factors such as what the creditors would do, and added: 'There's no guarantee we would not stay on a market-led solution as opposed to a special administration, but it is a very fluid situation and those are all possibilities.' He acknowledged the huge desalination plant in Beckton, east London - intended to turn seawater into drinkable water - would not be operational this year, describing the site as a 'big problem'. 'I wonder why it was built in the first place,' he said. 'It's not a good story, it was not a good investment, there are no excuses about it.' He said membranes used as part of the desalination process are at the end of their life and could not be replaced because there is no testing facility in the UK for new membranes. Chairman Sir Adrian Montague said the company's financial situation had been 'hair-raising'. 'The fact of the matter is, as we've noted on several occasions, Thames in the last year has come very close to running out of money entirely,' he said. 'There were times in the last year that we had five weeks' liquidity – and running a £20billion corporation on five weeks' liquidity, honestly, it's hair-raising. 'We felt we needed to conserve cash.' Pressed on why Thames had shelved spending on some projects in recent years, Sir Adrian added: 'It was a funding crunch… I don't think we rode back on commitments. 'We understand that this is work that needs to be done, and there are many, many calls on companies' cash resources. 'We are having to prioritise, and we prioritised asset health and the routine expenses of the business in preference to this big capital project. 'We are still committed to carrying out that work but we can't magic money out of nowhere. 'Our problem is that this business had been under huge funding pressures ever since I joined (in 2023).' However, he denied Thames Water was a 'failing company'. 'It's not a failing company. It's a company in recovery. We are making progress,' he said. 'This is a good team. You can see how the progress is starting to become apparent.'
