An innovative breakthrough from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and software company FIDO Tech promises to tackle the critical issue of water loss from underground leaks. The cloud-based FIDO Cloud Correlation (FCC) system is set to revolutionise how hidden leaks are detected, addressing the challenge that 90% of such leaks remain undetected above ground.

This cutting-edge solution allows water utility companies to locate leaks with unparalleled precision, potentially saving millions of litres of water and significantly improving water management practices.

FCC utilises artificial intelligence to provide a simple and effective processing method, determining the size and location of leaks within seconds. Given that utility companies lose the equivalent of 500,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water annually due to leaks, this technology is set to revolutionise leak detection processes and significantly reduce water wastage, contributing to global sustainability objectives.

The system employs small sensors that attach magnetically to pipes, recording simultaneous acoustic samples. These samples are then uploaded to the cloud system via a user-friendly smartphone app for automatic signal processing. The exact location of the leak between the two sensors is determined within seconds, providing a quick and reliable solution for water management.

This collaboration between FIDO Tech and UWS exemplifies the potential of combining cutting-edge technology with academic expertise to address critical environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.