Ovarro EnigmaREACH UK roll-out is accelerating as five water utilities deploy the automated leakage detection system to support AMP8 water loss reduction targets. The end-to-end acoustic monitoring solution is being implemented across multiple district metered areas (DMAs) to improve detection speed, accuracy and operational efficiency.
Southern Water and Affinity Water were among the first to introduce the system at the start of the 2025–2030 investment period (AMP8). Since then, adoption has expanded, with five UK water companies now deploying the technology.
How the Ovarro EnigmaREACH UK roll-out improves leakage detection
The EnigmaREACH package combines either 32 or 64 acoustic loggers with a management application and cloud-based analytics platform. The integrated system manages the full leakage detection cycle — from logger planning, deployment and retrieval through to data upload, analytics, point-of-interest identification and follow-up.
According to Ovarro, utilities deploying the system are achieving conversion rates above 90%, with pinpoint accuracy typically within one metre. Operational teams are reportedly detecting four to five leaks per technician per day — equivalent to around 25 per week and up to 1,200 annually — while covering approximately 10km per day using 300-metre logger spacing.
The company states that automated workflows reduce manual analysis time and can deliver operational savings of up to 56% compared with traditional active leakage control methods.
Tony Gwynne, Global Leakage Solutions Director at Ovarro, said: “Winning first contracts with new technologies is always difficult. Winning repeat contracts is proof of the efficiencies EnigmaREACH is delivering for leakage detection.
“By moving from a manual to an automated, managed process, utilities are seeing consistent time savings, particularly in data analysis and point-of-interest follow-ups. Tasks that once took hours are now completed in a fraction of the time, enabling more ground to be covered each day.”
Growing international adoption
Launched in 2024, EnigmaREACH has expanded beyond the UK market. In addition to the five UK utilities, the system has been adopted across parts of Europe, including Norway and Italy, as well as in North America and Saudi Arabia.
The expansion aligns with wider industry efforts to reduce non-revenue water and improve asset performance. Leakage reduction remains a central requirement of AMP8 commitments and broader regulatory performance targets across the UK water sector.
Read more about water management innovations supporting leakage reduction strategies.
