Morrison Water Services, a part of M Group Services’ Water Division, has secured a new framework contract with South West Water to help further reduce leakage.
This is Morrison Water Services’ first leakage detection framework contract and its first framework contract with South West Water. Initially the framework contract is for three years, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Morrison Water Services has teamed up with digital leakage detection experts Aqualogic to use the iQuarius digital detection system to identify network and customer leakage. This technology has the capability to feed additional data streams into their existing leakage detection network modelling technology.
Leakage detection is a key focus for Morrison Water Services. Combined with its established repair and maintenance capabilities, this means it can now provide a comprehensive range of services across all elements of operational leakage.
Reducing water lost through leakage is a key priority for the water industry to meet regulatory targets and address the challenges of climate change which is making water an increasingly scarce resource that needs to be carefully conserved.
South West Water is now finding and fixing up to 2,000 leaks a month, using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology alongside a growing number of leak detectors – now up to more than 140.
The company is also working closely with customers to detect and repair leaks on their properties. Around 30% of leaks occur on customer-side pipes. Over the life of the contract, Morrison Water Services will be transitioning to a more sustainable delivery model through the use of electric vehicles and HVO fuels to align with both Morrison Water Services’ and South West Water’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
Local apprenticeship and graduate training schemes will also be set up to bring new employment to the region and develop the skilled experts of the future. All of their apprentices carry out a local community project during their time on Morrison Waters Apprentice Development Scheme.
Murray Powell, Contract Director of Morrison Water Services, said:
“This framework partnership with South West Water is testament to the advances we have made in the leakage arena over recent years.
“We are extremely proud to be supporting South West Water in further reducing leakage and look forward to introducing leading-edge innovation to leakage detection to ensure both current and future regulatory requirements are achieved. This award is yet a further example of our expanding portfolio of expertise and services we can offer across the water industry.”
Jason Harvey, Head of Leakage for South West Water, said:
“Finding and fixing leaks continues to be a priority for South West Water. We are using the latest technology, our expert colleauges and partners to fix up to 2,000 leaks each month. This partnership will help deliver further water loss reduction through an efficient blend of traditional and state-of-the-art leak detection methods alongside the exciting prospect of working with an established and growing team of recruits, trainees and apprentices”.
