Council has sent letters to 24 Methven residents, alerting them to potential water leaks on their properties.

Contractors using acoustic leak detection have been listening for underground sounds in Methven over the past month and identified noise at the properties.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said those 24 properties were also flagged with potential leaks by their water meters and by analysing the data from meter readings.

“A leak alarm red flag shows up on the water meters if there is a constant flow being measured, even at night. Then we looked at the water meter readings over the summer and noted those with an average daily water use of more than 900 litres a day, which is the typical summer daily use for a family of four.

“Often people don’t know they have a leak because the water drains away into the ground and the only clue is the water meter reading.”

About 1200 water meters were installed in Methven in 2022, and Council has been using water use data to help pinpoint leaks in its own watermains and pipes.

Mr McCann said Council was using the information to prioritise pipe renewal in Methven.

“Now property owners can use that same information to fix leaks on their properties. Leaks have the potential to cause damage, so it is advisable to locate and fix them as soon as possible.”

Acoustic leak detection was also undertaken in Ashburton, and properties with suspected leaks have also been sent letters.

Mr McCann said fixing leaks saved money, as it reduced the volume of water that had to be treated at water treatment plants.

Think you have a leak?

Here are some tips for finding water leaks on your property:

• Check your taps, showers, urinals and toilets to ensure the water supply is shutting off properly.
• Investigate unusual wet patches or water marks on your property; in the building walls, especially where your plumbing fixtures are closely located; in the garden and driveway where your water pipes run underneath.
• If you have a water meter, you can use this to check for leaks by closing all plumbing fixtures, making sure that water is not flowing out anywhere visible then observe your water meter. If the numbers are still increasing, then water is flowing out somewhere indicating that there’s a leak.