South West Water has repaired more than 23,000 leaks across Devon and Cornwall over the last 12 months, the company said. It used acoustic logging, network monitoring, larger field detection teams and leak detection technology. Its South West Water leak detection work also uses two specially trained springer spaniels.
The figures were announced on 27 October 2026 by Pennon Group. The company described the work as part of its effort to tackle leakage and improve network resilience across the region, at a time when parts of its supply area are in severe drought.
Hot summer and drought put pressure on pipes
South West Water said leaks increased after the recent summer, which it described as the hottest on record. Extended periods of heat can cause the ground to dry out, shrink and shift. This puts additional stress on underground pipework and increases the likelihood of pipes bursting.
Drought conditions continue across much of England. The Environment Agency has announced that parts of Cornwall, Devon and West Dorset have entered severe drought status. South West Water said this made continued investment in tackling leaks across its network more important.
Leak detection dogs trained to find chlorine
Kilo and Denzel, two springer spaniels, are trained to detect subtle traces of chlorine in drinking water. According to the company, this allows them to tell the difference between a water leak and a natural pool of water.
South West Water said this skill, together with the dogs’ ability to cover large areas of rural land, makes them well suited to finding leaks that are hard to locate. H2O Global News has previously reported on the company’s use of acoustic monitoring, satellite imagery, drones and detection dogs in its coverage of South West Water repairing 26,700 leaks during a dry summer.
Satellites, drones and thermal imaging in remote areas
The company also uses satellites and drones to spot leaks in isolated places such as Dartmoor and Exmoor. These devices use technology such as thermal imaging to detect temperature differences in the ground that could be caused by leaks.
These remote methods work alongside acoustic sensors and advanced monitoring systems on the wider network. South West Water said the combination helps teams find problems earlier.
New technicians support South West Water leak detection
Alistair Milton, Water Loss and Control Delivery Manager for South West Water, said: “Reducing leakage is so important to us, especially with parts of the region in severe drought status, where saving water is critical for everyone.
“We know customers rightly expect us to do everything possible to reduce water lost from our network, and we have recruited around 40 new leakage technicians this year as well as moving teams into areas where their work can have the greatest impact.
“This is helping us repair an average of 440 leaks each week and by using advanced monitoring systems, acoustic sensors and leak detection dogs, we can find issues earlier, minimise water loss and ensure more water reaches customers when they need it most.”
Leaks on private supplies
Not all leakage comes from the company’s own pipes. According to South West Water, around 30% of leaks on the water network belong to private supplies, and a leaky loo can waste up to 400 litres of water each day.
The company has previously offered customers help with this kind of leak, as H2O Global News reported when South West Water extended its £150 offer to help customers fix leaky loos.
Frequently asked questions
How many leaks has South West Water repaired in the last year?
South West Water has repaired more than 23,000 leaks across Devon and Cornwall over the last 12 months. It said it repairs an average of 440 leaks each week.
How do South West Water’s leak detection dogs find leaks?
The company’s two springer spaniels, Kilo and Denzel, are trained to detect subtle traces of chlorine in drinking water. This lets them tell the difference between a water leak and a natural pool of water.
Why have leaks increased in Devon and Cornwall?
South West Water said leaks increased after the recent summer, which it described as the hottest on record. Extended heat can cause the ground to dry out, shrink and shift, putting stress on underground pipes and making bursts more likely.
Which areas are in severe drought?
The Environment Agency has announced that parts of Cornwall, Devon and West Dorset have entered severe drought status.
How much water can a leaky toilet waste?
According to South West Water, a leaky loo can waste up to 400 litres of water each day. The company said around 30% of leaks on the water network belong to private supplies.
