The water sector is on the cusp of a significant leap forward in tackling one of its most persistent challenges: leakage. The confirmation of the location and design for the National Leakage Research and Test Centre (NLRTC) marks a bold step towards revolutionising how the industry approaches leakage reduction. Situated in Oxfordshire, this cutting-edge facility promises to be a game-changer, providing a large, secure environment that mirrors a real underground water network. This isn’t just about testing new solutions; it’s about creating a hub for innovation that could redefine industry standards.
The NLRTC will comprise two key components: an offline District Metered Area (DMA) and a smaller test rig, affectionately dubbed the ‘sandpit.’ The DMA, a fully scaled, 5km-long buried water pipeline, will feature multiple sub-metered areas, leakage simulation bunkers, and a control room for automated operations. This isn’t just a pipeline; it’s a living laboratory where water companies, innovators, and researchers can experiment and accelerate novel leakage solutions. The sandpit, housed within HR Wallingford’s existing Froude Modelling Hall, will serve as a proving ground for new technologies before they’re tested in the offline DMA area.
The partnership behind this venture is as impressive as the facility itself. HR Wallingford, Northumbrian Water, and WRc are joining forces, with Stantec providing detailed design work and planning services. The Ofwat Innovation Fund is financing the first three years, underscoring the sector’s commitment to driving down leakage levels. Kieran Ingram, Water Director at Northumbrian Water Group, captures the essence of this initiative: “Establishing the NLRTC is a significant step in enabling the water industry to achieve its ambitious leakage reduction targets. This facility will pioneer innovation in leakage repair and detection, helping us conserve water resources and deliver more resilient services.”
The NLRTC isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation. Andy Brown, HR Wallingford’s Joint Acting CEO (Commercial), highlights the centre’s alignment with sustainability goals: “The centre fits perfectly with our aim of helping people live and work sustainably with water.” This facility will provide a controlled environment to test and refine innovative solutions, accelerating the development and deployment of new technologies. Glen Mountfort, Director of Technical Consulting at WRc, emphasises the urgency: “Reducing water losses from our distribution networks is crucial in addressing water scarcity, driven by climate change, population growth and aging infrastructure.”
The implications for the sector are profound. The NLRTC will enable quick, safe, and robust testing of new and innovative ways to find and fix leaks. Jeannette Henderson, Principal at the Ofwat Innovation Fund, underscores the need for innovation: “Just doing more ‘business-as-usual’ will not be enough to drive down leakage levels significantly, we need new technologies and innovative approaches to tackling the problem.” This facility will allow innovators to test and refine their ideas without the need to work on a live network, protecting customer supplies and accelerating the implementation of workable solutions.
The NLRTC is more than just a test centre; it’s a catalyst for change. It will spark debate, challenge norms, and drive the sector towards more sustainable and resilient practices. As Frank van der Kleij, Principal Consultant at Stantec, notes, “Testing is a vital part of getting [innovative technologies] to market and in situ, enabling companies to meet long term leakage reduction targets.” The NLRTC will not only shape the future of leakage reduction but also set a new standard for innovation in the water sector. The sector is watching, and the stakes are high. This is more than just a test centre; it’s a beacon of progress in the fight against leakage.
