Engineering and contracting firm Bosch Munitech has located 4 497 leaks in 3 395 km of pipe reticulation, which it surveyed for eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS), after being awarded a R7.5-million leak-detection project that will result in the company surveying about 5 000 km of water mains in the greater Durban area.

Phase 1 of the provision of leak-detection and repair supervision services for the eThekwini municipality project started in February and will span 18 months.

Six survey teams will continue to apply acoustic leak detection methods to locate and pinpoint leaks on the water reticulation network that are not visible. Pipe sizes typically vary from 15 mm to 400 mm in diameter, but larger trunk mains are surveyed if required. All data and leak locations are captured on excel reports and graphic infor-mation systems (GIS).

This project was awarded following Bosch Munitech’s successful implementation of several similar projects for EWS since 2008. Since then, Bosch Munitech has invested in the latest acoustic technology and a GIS-based management system for detecting leaks and repairing ageing infrastructure.

“We are focused on upskilling our people and investing significantly in training, equip-ment and employing specialists in the field of leak detection. We are now fully equipped to provide a superior leak-detection service for this sector,” says Bosch Munitech MD Steve McCarley.

The company notes that it has hired its specialists from South Africa, some of who have worked in Asia-Pacific, Botswana and Swaziland.

Bosch Munitech’s investment in equipment and staff has paid off, resulting in the com-pany being awarded leak-detection projects worth R17.5-million from EWS. The company has also gained a vast amount of experience, having surveyed a total of 22 000 km of pipe-line for various clients.

EWS partially relies on leaks being reported by the public to function effectively, as the water reticulation network of the municipality comprises some 11 500 km of water mains.

“At least one-third of the leaks are not visible and require specialist intervention to locate them,” says McCarley, however, he adds that relying solely on the public for leak detection is not viable, since it requires the public’s constant attention and participation.

“Together, we can reduce the water loss and, thereby, ensure that there is enough water for our future needs,” adds the company.