Overview

This case study demonstrates how proactive water monitoring protected an independent school from a rapidly escalating underground leak. A sudden increase in water flows triggered an automatic alarm, providing early visibility of a hidden issue that would otherwise have remained undetected.

Consistent, frequent monitoring enabled a rapid response, helping safeguard a site with limited maintenance budgets while avoiding disruption to day-to-day operations.

The Challenge

Monitoring data identified a sharp and sustained increase in water consumption, indicating a significant underground leak. During the investigation, the site's flow rate rose from its typical background usage of 50–200 litres per hour to a peak of over 3,200 litres per hour.

The leak occurred below ground, with water escaping into the surrounding soil and producing no visible surface signs. Although staff carried out inspections across the site, the source could not be located manually.

Without continuous monitoring, the leak could have continued unnoticed for weeks, significantly increasing water costs.

At its peak, the site was losing approximately:

• 3.2 m³ per hour
• 76.8 m³ per day
• £307 per day

Had the leak continued for another 30 days, it would have resulted in more than £9,000 in additional water charges.

The Resolution

Following the automatic alarm, our technical team responded promptly and scheduled repair work around the site's operating hours to minimise disruption.

Using specialist leak detection equipment, engineers located the hidden underground fault, excavated the damaged section of pipework and completed a full repair.

Monitoring immediately confirmed the success of the repair, with water consumption returning to its normal baseline.

The Impact

•  Hidden underground leak identified and repaired quickly 
•  More than £9,000 in potential water costs avoided 
•  No disruption to normal site operations 
•  Water consumption returned immediately to expected levels 
•  Significant unplanned expenditure prevented 
•  Long-term risk of underground damage reduced 

The monitoring data clearly shows the rapid escalation in water loss followed by an immediate return to normal consumption once repairs were completed.

Outcome

This incident highlights the value of proactive water monitoring for education facilities. An underground leak that was impossible to detect through routine inspections was identified early through continuous monitoring and automatic alarms.

Rapid escalation and timely repairs prevented significant financial losses while allowing normal operations to continue uninterrupted.

Customer Feedback

"Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved in arranging and carrying out the repairs.The team showed great patience and professionalism throughout what proved to be a difficult and time-consuming investigation. Their persistence in locating the hidden leak and completing the repair with minimal disruption to our daily operations was greatly appreciated. We are extremely grateful for the support provided and couldn't have asked for a better outcome."