Severn Trent Uses Drones to Combat Leaks
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Severn Trent, a major UK water company, is leveraging drone technology to detect and repair water leaks more efficiently.
By utilizing drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, the company can identify leaks from the air, saving time and resources. This innovative approach allows for early detection and swift response, minimizing disruptions to water supply and reducing operational costs.
The benefits of drone technology in this context are significant:
Faster Leak Detection: Drones can quickly scan large areas, pinpointing leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Reduced Costs: By minimizing the need for ground crews and equipment, drone technology can save significant costs.
Improved Efficiency: Drones can access hard-to-reach areas, making inspections and repairs more efficient.
As Severn Trent continues to invest in this technology, it aims to reduce water loss and improve overall operational performance. This initiative not only benefits the company but also contributes to water conservation efforts.
Drones are fitted with thermal imaging, which can detect dips in temperature on land, indicating a below-ground water leak.
Drone lead Duncan Turner said: “If we can find these leaks faster and deal with them quicker, that make things better for customers.”
He added: “The offset costs of just using drones instead of scaffolding to look at one of our digesters, for instance, creates enormous time and cost savings.”
Severn Trent has committed to reducing leakage by 15% by 2025 and is aiming to halve the amount of water lost through its network by 2045.
Drone safety officer Jonny Bevan said: “Trying to identify a leak on a pipeline that is say 6km (3.7 miles) long may have taken some time for our teams on the ground to find before.
“But we can reduce that to a few hours with the drones.”
The drones – including models called Flyability Elios, Matrice 300 and Inspire 2 – have been used at most Severn Trent sites.
Dr Omid Maghazei, a lecturer at the University of Bath, is researching “where, why and how” to use drones in operational settings.
He told the BBC there are many “promising areas” for drones in business, with Amazon trialling using drones for deliveries.
He said: “This concerns agriculture, inspection of critical infrastructure – bridges, wind-turbines, powerplants, pipe lines of many process industries.
“Accessing areas that are not always easy – drones are cheaper and quicker.”
