Underground water leaks are one of the leading causes of water waste in South Africa contributing to the country’s estimated 1.1 million litres of water lost. Much of this water is lostfrom leaks in municipal pipes but leaks on private property are much more common than most people are aware of and it’s not always a result of lack of maintenance…
Underground Water Leaks In Private Estates
Noordhoek Manor is one of 6 Faircape Life luxury retirement villages located at prime locations around the Western Cape. Water Utility Solutions experts recently identified a leak which, if left unchecked, would have cost the body corporate more than half a million Rand in just twelve months. What causes underground water leaks? Shifting, settling earth and even vibrations from motor vehicles can cause wear and tear in plumbing leading to pinholes in pipes and underground water leaks.
How Did WUS Experts Find the Underground Water Leak?
Underground water leaks often go unnoticed for extended periods of time and the first manner of leak detection on private property or common property is typically an irregular meter reading. Thankfully, WUS experts installed a smart bulk water meter at Noordhoek Manor giving them the telemetry needed to detect irregular consumption. The irregular consumption being billed to the body corporate for common property was roughly twice as much as the previous month. This translates to an additional monthly cost of approximately R45,000.00 for which the body corporate would be responsible.
There Are Underground Water Leaks. What Next?
After WUS experts detected the irregular consumption they began the arduous process of isolating the underground water leaks. They first began by sealing the shut off valves for specific zones in the village. This allowed them to eliminate 80% of the village and gave them a target area to begin focusing their efforts with acoustic leak detection devices. The listening devices allow the highly trained WUS experts to locate the leak, dig up the earth and repair it. If left unrepaired, the leak would not only result in inflated utility bills but it could potentially cause underground soil erosion and sinkholes.
Who To Call In Case Of an Underground Water Leak?
Water Utility Solutions experts are industry leaders in the full suite of water management needs. They are leading suppliers, installers and financiers of smart water meters in Cape Town and their expertise have saved bodies corporate, and homeowners associations uncountable headaches. If you’re experiencing the stress of trying to locate the source of water wastage and unnecessary utility expenses, WUS experts are waiting to help.
