Southern Water’s Innovative Technology Cuts Water Pipe Repair Times Drastically
Hampshire, UK – In a groundbreaking trial, Southern Water has unveiled a new ‘no-dig’ technology, the Origin No Dig system, which is slashing average water pipe repair times from three hours to just 15 minutes. This innovative approach aims to tackle leaks more efficiently and reduce disruption for local communities.
The Origin No Dig system employs a food-grade calcium carbonate solution that is injected into water pipes to locate and seal leaks without the need for excavation or road closures. Jon Ross, innovation project manager at Southern Water, hailed the trial’s results, noting that the technique allows for faster repairs, increasing the number of leaks addressed weekly. “This means almost no disruption or inconvenience to the public,” Ross stated, emphasizing the reduced health and safety risks for repair teams.
Traditionally, Southern Water allocates £4.5 million annually for repairing communication pipes that connect the water main to customers’ external meters. These repairs often involve lengthy processes requiring permits and road closures, typically taking days to complete. However, with the new system, repair teams have accomplished up to 11 repairs in a single day, vastly improving efficiency.
Andy Farrow, regional operations manager at Clancy, Southern Water’s delivery partner, noted the significant reductions in waste and disruption, adding, “It’s a great solution to most communication pipe leaks.”
This initiative has contributed to a notable drop in weekly leakage rates, with figures decreasing by over 15% between April 2024 and 2025, saving approximately 17 million liters of water daily. The technology is also being assessed in Sussex and Kent, where timely repairs have drastically cut down on the need for extensive road closures, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in urban settings.
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