Maynilad taps hi-tech device for spotting leaks

MANILA, Philippines - The group of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and DMCI Holdings-led Maynilad Water Services Inc. is tapping the JD7 LDS2010 “Investigator” to detect leaks and bring down water loss in its concession area, at a cost of around P5.17 million ($120,000) for the equipment.

The “Investigator” is a CCTV acoustic leak detection system from the United Kingdom that enables pressurised pipe inspection of 400mm and smaller diameter of pipes without interrupting water service. The device can even be launched through fire hydrants, pressure fittings, air valves and gate valves. Maynilad is the first water company in Asia to use the high-tech device.

Aside from making leak detection without service interruption possible, the “Investigator” lessens traffic obstruction by minimizing road excavations necessary to check the pipes. The device’s systems camera and hydrophone technology helps detect the actual location of the leak from the surface and marks it for repair.

It also enables overall pipe condition assessment, help trace illegal connections, unknown pipes, and possible sources of water quality issues.

“We are investing heavily in our non-revenue water (NRW) reduction program because we want to recover more water for our customers. Thus far, we have recovered over 400 million liters daily of water, which is enough to supply a city of two million people,” said Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas.

Maynilad uses several state-of-the-art leak detection technologies in its aggressive campaign against water loss. These include the Sahara® mobile leak detection system, Aquascan Trunk Main (TM) leak noise correlator and an automatic pressure regulating device (I2O) which would help the company manage the excessive pressures in the pipe system.