Cayman Water is piloting technology on island to detect and pinpoint water leaks in its buried water mains.
The company currently loses between 12 percent and 14 percent of the water it produces through pipe leaks.
The “tracer method” will be tested around the Abel Castillo Water Works on Seven Mile Beach using helium to alert technicians of leaks. Helium is a non-toxic gas that is both odorless and tasteless and will not affect the quality of water.
The system releases small quantities of the gas into the pipe network. The gas dissolves and rises to the surface where water leaks are present.
Consolidated Water’s Greg McTaggart, vice president for Cayman operations, said using the leak detection tracer method would allow the company to improve the efficiency of water service, minimize disruptions to customers and limit the effects of necessary repair work on the roads.
“Collateral benefits include the reduction of company operations-related CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions through reduced electricity use, thus enhancing conservation of resources and benefiting the environment,” he said.
Testing will take place throughout this month.
The technology is already used in Europe and the United States.
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