Portsmouth Water to use fibre optic technology to detect leaks faster this winter

Portsmouth Water is introducing new technology that could help engineers find hidden water leaks up to four times faster, as the company prepares for the colder winter months.

The water supplier has teamed up with technology company Lightsonic to use existing fibre optic cables to detect leaks across parts of its network in Hampshire and West Sussex.

The system, which is due to be introduced in December 2026, will use Openreach's Full Fibre infrastructure to listen for the sounds created by escaping water.

By analysing sound patterns travelling through underground fibre optic cables, the technology can identify the location of potential leaks to within just 10 metres.

The approach, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing, effectively turns existing telecommunications cables into a continuous underground monitoring network.

It could prove particularly valuable during winter, when freezing temperatures and changing ground conditions can increase pressure on water pipes, leading to bursts and leaks.

According to Lightsonic, its technology is already helping engineers identify up to four times as many leaks compared with traditional methods.

The company also says its work with Openreach is helping save more than one million litres of water every day for each 100 kilometres of network monitored.

Portsmouth Water hopes the technology will allow its engineers to locate problems sooner, prioritise repairs and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost through damaged pipes.

Portsmouth Water CEO Bob Taylor

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Water, said:

“Reducing leakage is a key priority for us, and identifying and repairing leaks as soon as possible is essential to achieving that. This technology will help us detect leaks more quickly, find more leaks across our network and carry out repairs sooner, helping to reduce water loss. We’re excited to be working with Lightsonic and Openreach and look forward to seeing the results.”

Tommy Langnes, Co-Founder and CEO of Lightsonic, said:

"Water companies are facing a growing challenge from water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and climate pressures to reduce leakage. Using this new technology, Portsmouth Water will be able to locate leaks faster and improve the productivity of its field teams. We’re delighted to be working with Portsmouth Water to bring this technology to more communities across the UK."

Trevor Linney, Openreach’s Director of Network Technology, added:

"We're seeing growing interest from water companies in using fibre sensing technology in this way. By combining Lightsonic's technology with Openreach's Full Fibre network, water companies can gain greater visibility of their assets, helping them reduce leakage and manage resources more sustainably. We're pleased to support Portsmouth Water in adopting this new approach."

The partnership comes as water companies face growing pressure to tackle leakage, ageing infrastructure and a shortage of skilled workers.

Portsmouth Water says the investment forms part of its wider programme to improve efficiency, reduce water waste and protect supplies for customers.

The technology is expected to begin operating across selected parts of its network in December, ahead of the coldest winter months.

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