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SA Water’s new method to reduce the number of water pressure-related leaks and bursts will be permanently adopted in Kadina, a town in the Yorke Peninsula.

Sensors were installed in August 2016 in various locations of the local water main network to help monitor significant changes in water pressure within the pipes.

SA Water’s Lead Asset Planner Facilities Michael Nicholas said the number of water main faults influenced by pressure has progressively dropped since the sensors were installed, and there have been none attributed to pressure in the town so far in 2017..

“These sensors are providing valuable information, which is enabling field crews to resolve issues before they can cause disruption to the community,” Mr Nicholas said.

“Pressure variations, such as stress on the pipes overnight when customer demand is low, can sometimes accelerate the frequency of water main bursts and leaks, so we want to reduce the chance of this happening where we can.

“If data from the sensors indicates pressure issues, we can usually resolve these with simple operational changes, such as adjusting pressure reducing valves (PRVs).”

The trial will continue in Kadina until the permanent solution is installed later in 2017, after which SA Water will look to introduce the use of sensors and active water pressure management in other areas of the state.

“This type of increased monitoring is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to provide a more reliable service for all of our customers, as well as help to better understand our network,” Mr Nicholas said.

“More than 375,000 metres of water mains are also being replaced across the state between 2016 and 2020, including on Yorke Peninsula.”

As part of the permanent solution, a third pressure sensor will be installed in Kadina’s water network and other related infrastructure will also be upgraded later in 2017.

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