Water Leaks Management: How Veolia’s Innovative Solutions Are Safeguarding Water Resources in Australia & New Zealand
22 April 2025
Veolia’s water leak detection and repair strategies have proven highly effective in cities around the world. In Bordeaux, a comprehensive action plan tripled the network renewal rate and reduced leaks by 20% within five years, while Baku achieved a 50% reduction in water losses over a decade, significantly enhancing water supply reliability. In the Paris metro area, efficient leak management resulted in a 90% network efficiency rate, positioning it as one of France’s highest-performing systems.
Understanding Water Leaks
Water leaks—often caused by underground pipes, faulty connections, or ageing reservoirs—result in millions of litres of water wasted, increased utility costs, and added strain on resources, a growing concern in regions like Australia and New Zealand.
A Growing Challenge That Demands Action
Globally, around 30% of drinking water is lost due to leaks, with some older networks experiencing losses of up to 50%. In many urban areas, ageing infrastructure, fluctuating water pressures, and external environmental factors exacerbate the problem.
Beyond the environmental impact, these leaks pose financial and operational challenges for water utilities. Non-revenue water—water that is treated and distributed but not billed due to leaks—places a significant financial burden on suppliers, driving up treatment and distribution costs while affecting long-term sustainability.
In Australia and New Zealand, where water security is a growing priority, proactive leak detection and efficient water management strategies are essential to preventing loss and ensuring reliable supply. This is where Veolia steps in as the industry’s top water treatment and management expert to provide effective strategies for water leak management.
Veolia’s 3R Strategy: A Proactive Approach to Water Leak Management
To combat water losses effectively, Veolia has developed a three-pronged approach, known as the 3R strategy, to identify, address, and prevent leaks in water networks:
Root out leaks using advanced leak detection technologies, minimising undetected water loss solutions.
Repair identified faults efficiently and in a targeted manner, reducing unnecessary disruptions.
Renew and rehabilitate the most critical sections of infrastructure using innovative techniques to extend the lifespan of pipelines.
By integrating these steps into its leak prevention solutions, Veolia helps water utilities and councils take a proactive stance in tackling leak-related issues before they escalate.
Cutting-Edge Water Leak Detection Technologies
Detecting leaks is no longer a guessing game. Veolia utilises a range of sophisticated technologies to pinpoint leaks accurately and reduce water loss:
- Acoustic correlation – Identifies leaks by analysing how sound waves travel through pipes, and detecting anomalies in the network.
- Tracer gas – Injects an inert gas (such as hydrogen-nitrogen or helium) into pipelines to identify even the smallest leaks.
- Camera inspection – Uses robotic cameras to visually inspect pipelines, helping to locate cracks, breaks, or weaknesses.
- Hydraulic modelling – Simulates water flow within the network to identify high-risk areas prone to leaks.
- AI-powered Leak Tracker – An innovative tool that allows technicians to rapidly survey the ground, identify leaks, and act swiftly to prevent water loss.
A Unique Approach: Sniffer Dogs on Leak Patrol
In addition to technology-driven solutions, Veolia has been pioneering an unexpected but highly effective method—sniffer dogs.
Trained to detect underground water leakage and repair needs using their highly developed sense of smell, these dogs can locate leaks even in challenging terrains where traditional methods might struggle. Once a leak is identified, Veolia’s field teams swiftly move in to repair the damaged section of the network.
This novel approach highlights the company’s commitment to exploring innovative, unconventional, and highly effective solutions to combat water leaks
Smarter Repairs for Long-Term Sustainability
Once leaks are identified, Veolia ensures that repairs are carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption to communities. Advanced repair and rehabilitation techniques include:
- Carbon lining – A trenchless method that reinforces existing pipes, extending their lifespan without the need for extensive excavation.
- Pipe bursting – A method used to replace deteriorating pipelines by breaking the old pipe and installing a new one in its place.
- Sectional renewals – Targeted replacement of the most at-risk sections of the network, reducing water loss and preventing widespread failures.
By prioritising repairs and focusing investments on the most deteriorated sections, Veolia helps utilities extend the life of their infrastructure, reduce water loss, and ensure more efficient water distribution.
These real-world case studies demonstrate how strategic water leak detection and repair programs can dramatically reduce water loss, improve network efficiency, and lower operational costs for water utilities.
A Sustainable Future for Water Management in ANZ
For Australia and New Zealand, water leak prevention is not just about cost savings—it’s about ensuring long-term water security in an era of climate uncertainty. By minimising leaks, water providers can:
- Preserve valuable water resources and reduce water loss, lowering strain on natural catchments.
- Lower production and treatment costs, making water supply more sustainable.
- Delay the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, saving taxpayers and utilities millions.
As one of the world’s leading water leak management companies, Veolia is committed to supporting ANZ utilities in optimising their water networks and building a more resilient, sustainable future.
Key Figures at a Glance
- 181 million cubic metres of water are saved annually through Veolia’s water leak prevention programs.
- Up to 50% leak rates are recorded in some ageing networks worldwide.
- 30% of the world’s potable water is lost due to leaks.
With cutting-edge technology, innovative water loss solutions, and strategic investment in infrastructure renewal, Veolia continues to lead the way in water leak detection and repair—helping communities and utilities reduce water loss, save money, and secure their water future.
Discover Veolia’s Innovative Water Management Solutions Today!
