AI Can Detect a Water Leak. But Should You Dig?

AI Leak Detection | Frequently Asked Questions

- An alert should prompt evaluation, but it does not automatically justify excavation. Changes in pressure, flow, or sound can reflect normal system activity, demand changes, or sensor issues. Wendy emphasizes the importance of gathering enough supporting evidence before committing crews, equipment, and resources to a repair.
- AI can evaluate acoustic, pressure, and flow data alongside hydraulic conditions and asset history, helping operators identify patterns that deserve attention. Its value is in screening information continuously and highlighting where further investigation may be warranted, while keeping operator experience and engineering judgment central to the decision.
- Wendy sees potential in targeted monitoring built around specific operational needs. Strategically placed sensors may help smaller utilities identify unusual behavior, verify suspected losses, and prioritize field investigations. The starting point is defining the decisions staff need to make, then determining what information and technology would support them.

- Earlier identification can give utilities time to investigate, confirm materials, coordinate traffic impacts, and plan shutdowns. That opportunity may help shift work from emergency response to scheduled repairs, potentially reducing overtime, service disruption, and other costs associated with a main break.
- Reliable operating data can add another layer of evidence to capital planning. Combined with pipe age, material, break history, and the consequences of failure, changes in system behavior may help engineers identify where investigation or rehabilitation deserves priority. For utilities with limited funding, that can support more informed investment decisions.
A copy of the article can be found here.

Let’s connect - we would love to discuss ways we can partner together.