A machine learning tool developed through the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW), a collaboration between South West Water and the University of Exeter, could help water companies identify properties most likely to be connected to lead service pipes. A newly published study sets out how the approach can support lead pipe detection where historic records are incomplete or unavailable.
The research forms part of South West Water’s wider lead reduction strategy. The utility, part of Pennon Group, is removing thousands of lead pipes from its network as it works towards a long-term ambition of becoming lead-free by 2050.
What the study examined
The paper, The Effectiveness of Different Ground Truths at Detecting Lead Service Pipes Using Machine Learning, shows how advanced data analytics can be used to predict the presence of lead pipes. It also examines what data is needed for those predictions to be effective.
The tool uses machine learning techniques to analyse available datasets and predict where lead communication and supply pipes are most likely to exist. According to South West Water, the project combines operational knowledge with academic research to develop better ways of locating lead pipes across its network.
Why lead pipe detection matters
Lead pipes remain one of the water sector’s long-standing challenges. Although lead pipework is no longer installed, legacy pipes can still be found in both public and private water supply systems. Identifying and replacing them is an ongoing priority for South West Water and other water companies.
Where records are missing or incomplete, pipes must be located before they can be replaced. The company said that targeting investigations and replacement programmes more effectively could reduce costs, improve efficiency and accelerate progress towards reducing lead pipework.
Academic perspective on the partnership
Matt Hayslep, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, said: “Removing lead pipes is important from an industry, health, and environment point-of-view, and it is very exciting that our research is helping South West Water to do this more effectively.
“There have been a lot of interesting machine learning and data challenges which we continue to work hard to overcome and improve the tool. Our success so far demonstrates the value of industrial partnerships with the University of Exeter.”
Supporting operational decisions at South West Water
Jason Harvey, Networks Transformation & Innovation Manager at South West Water, said: “Improving our understanding of where lead pipes are located is an important part of our long-term ambition to become lead-free by 2050.
“This project demonstrates how collaboration through CREWW can help turn research into practical tools that support operational decision-making. By using machine learning and advanced analytics, we’re developing new ways to target investigations more effectively and improve how we manage our network.”
South West Water describes the publication as the latest example of CREWW bringing together academic expertise and operational experience to develop practical solutions for the water sector. H2O Global News has previously reported on how CREWW showcased South West Water and Exeter research, including its lead pipe tool, at the IWA congress in Glasgow. It has also covered how AI and machine learning are being applied to asset planning, including lead pipe detection, at water utilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CREWW machine learning tool for lead pipes?
It is a tool developed through CREWW, a collaboration between South West Water and the University of Exeter, that uses machine learning to analyse available datasets and predict where lead communication and supply pipes are most likely to exist.
What is the title of the CREWW lead pipe study?
The study is titled The Effectiveness of Different Ground Truths at Detecting Lead Service Pipes Using Machine Learning. It shows how advanced data analytics can predict the presence of lead pipes and what data is needed for this to be effective.
When does South West Water aim to be lead-free?
South West Water has a long-term ambition of becoming lead-free by 2050. Its lead reduction strategy includes removing thousands of lead pipes from its network.
Why are lead pipes still a problem for water companies?
Lead pipes are no longer installed, but legacy lead pipework can still be found in both public and private water supply systems. Historic records may be incomplete or unavailable, making identification and replacement an ongoing priority.
How could machine learning reduce the cost of lead pipe replacement?
South West Water said that by helping target investigations and replacement programmes more effectively, the approach could reduce costs, improve efficiency and accelerate progress towards reducing lead pipework.
