Australia is leading a $16 million international research project into why and when buried water pipes burst.

 

The project is the largest international research collaboration led by Australia on water pipes and has world-wide significance as buried pipes provide around 70 per cent of the world’s urban water supply.

 

Leading the international research team is Monash University researcher, Associate Professor Jayantha Kodikara.  Monash University and partners at University of Technology Sydney and University of Newcastle will develop cost effective advanced condition assessment and failure prediction models that can evaluate pipes before they burst.

 

The five-year project, funded by seven Australian water authorities, the US Water Research Foundation, and UK Water Industry Research Ltd (UKWIR), will produce advanced techniques and technologies to accurately predict the remaining life of buried pipes and protect against pipe bursts.

 

Sydney Water, the largest urban water utility in Australia, will contribute $5.5 million to the project.

 

Paul Freeman, Sydney Water’s General Manager Asset Management, and Chair of the project’s management team said burst water pipes can cut water supplies to residents and businesses, affect safety and transport, and cause financial loss.

 

"The project's groundbreaking research and development will assist the water industry to save drinking water and customers’ money," Mr Freeman said.

 

"This is great news for Australian cities as the length of the buried pipes of the seven Australian water utilities alone would go around the world more than one and a half times.

 

“Sydney Water will contribute a world leading real life pipe test bed in Sydney to research condition assessment and failure prediction.

 

“We have been able to engage effectively with industry and research partners, and for the first time in a large water pipe collaboration there is overseas investment and knowledge,” said Mr Freeman.

 

Professor Edwina Cornish, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Monash University, said the University's leadership of the project reflected its ability to attract the best international research team.

 

The project has received Australian funding from Sydney Water Corporation, Hunter Water Corporation, South East Water, Melbourne Water, Water Corporation (WA), South Australia Water and City West Water.


CSIRO will join the research team in its next phase, and the USEPA, National Research Council (Canada) and Water Environment Research Foundation will provide know-how to the project.