To help secure Western Australia’s water supply, Water Corporation has recruited a six-month-old Cocker Spaniel to sniff out leaks in remote areas.
As part of a State Government-backed program, Piper the dog is using her acute sense of smell to detect leaks in places where traditional methods are less effective.
Early leak detection is critical to not only safeguarding against water scarcity, but it also reduces repair costs.
The program specially trains dogs like Piper to find minor leaks before they escalate into major bursts.
Water Corporation said that Piper is already showing promise as she begins her foundational training to sniff out underground leaks in remote areas.
Piper’s training includes socialisation, basic obedience, and early scent association, with advanced detection skills to follow in the coming months.
Once fully trained, she will help monitor Western Australia’s vast network of 35,000km of water mains across 2.6 million square kilometres – the largest service area of any water utility in the world.
She follows in the pawprints of Kep, Water Corporation’s – and Australia’s – first leak detection dog, who since 2018 has identified more than 240 leaks and saved over 2.5GL water (the equivalent of 2.5 Optus Stadiums).
Now eight years old, Kep will gradually transition into retirement, continuing ambassadorial duties while mentoring her eager apprentice.
Leak detection plays a vital role in maintaining the water security. Left undetected, hidden leaks can waste significant volumes of water and lead to expensive repairs.
With some pipelines stretching hundreds of kilometres through remote terrain, programs like this offer another solution where conventional technologies cannot easily be deployed.
As Western Australia faces the challenges of a drying climate, every drop counts. By detecting leaks early, Water Corporation can reduce repair costs and preserves supplies for communities across the state.
However, while initiatives like the Canine Leak Detection Program are critical, the utility said that the community also has an important role to play. By taking simple actions – such as checking water meters, fixing dripping taps, and using water wisely – households can also play a key role in protecting this essential resource.
Western Australian Water Minister, Don Punch, said that Water Corporation’s Canine Leak Detection Program is a smart and innovative way to sniff out leaks in regional and remote areas where traditional methods fall short.
“Piper might be small, but she’s got a big job ahead. Once fully trained, she’ll be helping protect one of our most precious resources – water – one paw at a time,” he said.
“Early leak detection is critical given the vast size of Western Australia’s water network. It prevents bursts and saves billions of litres of water which helps to secure our water future.
“Kep has been a true trailblazer – finding more than 240 leaks and saving over 2.5 billion litres of water – or 2.5 Optus Stadiums – since 2018. As she steps into retirement, Piper will carry on this vital work.”
