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Water leaks are expensive – Citroen Newport Water Leak Detection Site Survey Report.
We were asked to attend the Citroen site based at Newport Retail Park by the client after receiving a high water consumption bill stating that the consumption had risen from approximately 7m³ per day to 13m³ per day.
Upon arrival at site, we began by locating the water meter which we found in an underground chamber situated on the tarmac footpath adjacent to the Citroen site. Upon our arrival at site, the meter was reading 18602m³ with a flow rate of approximately 9 litres per minute and an average daily usage of 12.96m³ per day. This equates to a usage of 4730m³ per annum and an annual cost of £12,487.
A primary step test was conducted by closing the internal stop tap which had no effect on the flow rate of the meter. An internal flow check was then carried out to ensure the internal stop tap was working correctly and not passing water however, we found this to be working correctly as when the stop tap was turned off, the valet bay was left without water.
The consistent flow rate of 9 litres per minute with the internal stop tap closed would lead us to believe that the leakage is external. If the leak had been internal, the meter would have become stationary when the internal stop tap was closed.
A sounding survey was carried out at each end of the supply pipe. We were able to hear some leak noise but this did not help us in locating an exact leakage position.
We liaised with the general manager on site and advised him of our current findings and a request was made for the water to be isolated to allow our engineers to inject leak tracing gas into the supply pipe. The water was turned off between 12.30 and 13.30. By injecting the gas into the supply, a significant point of interest for leakage was produced. Our gas readings were in excess of 60% volume which would indicate the presence of a large water leak. The area was marked with blue paint ready for excavation and repair.
This rise in water consumption is a difference of 5.6m³ per day which equates to a usage of 2044m³ per annum and an annual cost of £5,396.
Recommendations
- Excavate the marked area to reach the leakage location on the supply pipe. Carry out repair on leaking supply pipe. Backfill and re-instate the excavated area
- After completion of leak repairs, we will liaise with the water supplier in securing a leak allowance on your behalf.
Annual Saving: £5,396
Payback Period: 3 months
Picture 1: The water leakage location marked for excavation. Picture 2: Gas reading of 60% indicating a large leak
