Sector research body starts two new zero leakage projects

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is working in partnership with the University of Sheffield on two analytical and experimental research projects to reduce leakage levels.

The projects will be carried out by PhD students and form part of the UKWIR's Big Question: How do we achieve zero leakage by 2050?

Both are looking at how leakage in pipes occurs and increases. One is focusing on the impact that different environmental factors such as soil type, external loading and water quality have on the deterioration of cast iron pipes and joints, and how this eventually leads to leakage. The other is investigating pressure transients to identify how these lead to pipe and joint degradation, and water loss.