The cost of complacency: 51 billion litres of water gone since our last article

It’s been just over two weeks since our previous  blog post  and the magnitude of water leakage continues to pose a significant challenge for water utilities. In just 17 days, approximately  51.63 billion litres of water have been lost to leakages, the equivalent of 20,652 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

This loss translates to an astonishing  £45.3 million in lost revenue.

The persistent issue of pipe repairs

A primary cause of these water losses is the frequent need for pipe (mains) repairs. Between April 2022 and March 2023, there were reportedly  59,041pipe repairs  in England and Wales alone.

Burst pipes remain the most common cause of water supply loss, causing significant disruptions. On average, each property in the UK experiences around  26 minutes of water supply interruption  per year due to these issues.

The financial and operational strain

The financial impact of these losses is profound. With each cubic metre of lost water costing an average of  £0.87795, utilities face not only revenue losses but also operational inefficiencies. These ongoing challenges highlight the critical need for effective leakage management solutions.

Driving efficiency with FYLD

FYLD’s innovative solutions offer utilities the tools needed to address these persistent issues effectively. Our platform leverages advanced data analytics, real-time visibility, and AI-driven insights to optimise operations and reduce leakages.

Key features of FYLD for leakage management

Real-time data analytics 

FYLD’s enables continuous monitoring of water usage patterns, allowing for the early detection of potential leak points. This predictive maintenance approach helps utilities schedule repairs proactively, significantly reducing leak runtime and operational disruptions. 

In one case study with a leading UK water utilities provider, FYLD significantly reduced leak runtime, cutting it by 1.4 days, the equivalent of nearly one Olympic-sized swimming pool per day.

Remote Interventions 

FYLD’s AI-powered work execution platform facilitates remote interventions, allowing supervisors to address issues in real-time without the need for constant on-site presence. This capability not only saves time but also reduces the operational costs associated with travel and on-site management.

Enhanced reporting and compliance 

FYLD streamlines reporting processes, ensuring that all incidents and repairs are documented accurately and efficiently. This functionality aids in regulatory compliance and helps avoid potential fines associated with reporting lapses.

Fieldworker efficiency 

By saving 1,000’s of manager and fieldworker hours annually, FYLD enhances productivity and ensures that field teams can focus on critical tasks rather than administrative burdens.

The broader implications

The Environment Agency  projects  that  England will  need an  additional  5 billion litres of water per day by 2050  to avoid shortages. This urgent need underscores the importance of efficient water management and the role that advanced technologies like FYLD play in achieving these goals. Efficiently addressing water leakages not only safeguards revenue but also ensures the sustainability and reliability of water supply for future generations.

Take the next step

Interested in how FYLD can transform your water operations and cut leakages?  Request a free demo  today.

For a deeper dive into FYLD’s impact on water management, explore our  case studies.