From chronic leakage to rupture prevention
Leakage in rising sewer mains remains a persistent challenge for operators. Pollution events are often associated with catastrophic failures, but many incidents arise from small, undetected leaks that develop over long periods.
By identifying these issues early, operators can intervene proactively. In several cases, energy savings achieved by reducing unnecessary pumping cycles have been sufficient to offset the cost of continuous monitoring and non-return valve replacement.
This paper highlights how targeted monitoring supports improved asset protection, reduces environmental risk, maintains regulatory compliance and facilitates more efficient operation of wastewater networks.
Martin Duff and Phil Edwards
20th European Wastewater Management Conference (EWWM) 2026, Telford