A Showcase on Water Supply Network Inspection and Maintenance

To address public concerns over the recent Bukit Batok pipe leak incidents, Water Supply Network (WSN) and 3P Network (Comms) proactively planned a media briefing cum site visit for key media outlets (Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Channel NewsAsia and Channel 8) to Blk 222 Bukit Batok East Ave 3 on 4 Oct 2017 (Wednesday) to help them understand why pipe leaks occur, and how PUB inspects all pipelines in Singapore at least once a year. 

The media viewed the leak detection inspections being conducted at the pipelines onsite. These inspections were conducted using technology via deployment of leak noise loggers and correlators on the distribution pipes, where analysis of noise data transmitted can indicate leak spots. 

Pipe leaks can be caused by various factors for example, wear and tear due to age, damage by other works, soil settlement, and pipe corrosion due to soil conditions. 

PUB technicians carrying out leak detection inspection work using leak noise loggers and correlators

Analysis of noise leak data

Leading the visit, Director of Water Supply Network, Michael Toh, shared with the media that PUB will replace 170m of pipes in Bukit Batok East Ave 3 as well as carry out additional inspections on a total of 100km of pipelines in Bukit Batok. 

He also shared on the overall management of the water supply network, Smart Water Grid sensors, ongoing pipeline replacement programme as well as PUB’s efforts to leverage technology to enable us to better detect potential leaks and for preventive maintenance and replacement.

Director of Water Supply Network, Michael Toh being interviewed on PUB’s pipe replacement plans for 170m of pipes in Bukit Batok East Ave 3 

Watch our in-house video on how PUB inspects and maintains its water supply network using technology such as Smart Water Grid Sensors, leak noise loggers and correlators – which all serve to detect leaks.