Smart AI sensors that can listen for leaks are being placed on water pipes across the North East, to help detect bursts before they even become visible.
In a cutting-edge trial, Northumbrian Water has been working with FIDO Tech, a specialist technology company, whose acoustic monitors use AI to pick up the sounds of water escaping underground.
Early results from the six-month trial, which started in November 2025, show it has already helped the water company to save nearly 6.4 megalitres of water per day – equivalent to about 25,000 bathtubs full of water.
Installed on fittings connected to water pipes, the sensors record and monitor sound, analysing it in real-time using artificial intelligence.
FIDO AI then provides accurate areas of interest for technicians to investigate, even when there’s no water visible at the surface.
This means teams can quickly identify where a leak may be starting to form and fix it early, helping to prevent bigger bursts, reduce disruption, and save water.
Traditionally, leaks are spotted through visible signs like water pooling, or changes in pressure, with Northumbrian Water often relying on customers to help flag them.
However, the smart sensors, which can be left in place over longer periods or moved daily to different locations to sweep a wider area, constantly monitor the network and immediately flag potential issues.
If a leak is detected, technicians can use the data to pinpoint the exact location and carry out repairs faster, reducing the need for emergency work and meaning less unexpected interruptions for customers.
By finding and fixing leaks sooner, the technology also helps to protect the environment by reducing the amount of precious drinking water being lost underground.
Jim Howey, Head of Water Networks at Northumbrian Water, said: “Finding leaks isn’t always straightforward, especially when there’s no visible signs at the surface.
“It’s not as simple as spotting a puddle of water and knowing exactly where it’s coming from. You’ve got to use a lot of different techniques to locate it, and it can be very time consuming and disruptive.
“This technology is great at helping us find leaks earlier and narrowing down the location so that we can get to them more effectively and get them fixed quicker - reducing disruption for our customers and protecting the environment.”
The trial is part of Northumbrian Water’s ongoing work to use innovative technology to reduce leakage, protect water resources and improve services for customers across the region.
Anthony Medway from FIDO Tech, said: “FIDO AI instantly tells engineers which sounds are a leak, and which are not. It can even identify the leaks that the human ear cannot.
“We're really proud to be helping Northumbrian Water be more proactive in their leak detection by getting their expert technicians to site faster, so they can repair leaks before they affect people's water supply or turn into larger bursts.”
To report a leak in the street, visit: www.nwl.co.uk/leaks