Portsmouth Water has partnered with utility infrastructure company Lightsonic and broadband infrastructure company Openreach to introduce fibreoptic technology capable of detecting leaks.

Portsmouth Water and Lightsonic are collaborating to roll out leak detection technology across parts of the water network, using Openreach’s full fibre infrastructure to do so.

The technology will use fibreoptic cables that run alongside water pipes to detect the sound of leaks. It is set to be introduced in December 2026, with Portsmouth Water preparing for colder temperatures that can put pressure on its network – resulting in bursts and leaks.

According to Portsmouth Water, the technology is capable of identifying sound patterns created by dripping water, pinpointing potential leaks to within 10 metres.

Portsmouth Water has partnered with utility infrastructure company Lightsonic and broadband infrastructure company Openreach to introduce fibreoptic technology capable of detecting leaks. Photo: Portsmouth Water.

placeholder image — Portsmouth Water has partnered with utility infrastructure company Lightsonic and broadband infrastructure company Openreach to introduce fibreoptic technology capable of detecting leaks. Photo: Portsmouth Water.

Bob Taylor, chief executive officer at Portsmouth Water, said: “Reducing leakage is a key priority for us, and identifying and repairing leaks as soon as possible is essential to achieving that.

“This technology will help us detect leaks more quickly, find more leaks across our network and carry out repairs sooner, helping to reduce water loss.”

Tommy Lagnes, co-founder and CEO of Lightsonic, explained that ageing infrastructure and climate pressures are contributing towards a growing challenge to protect water levels.

“Using this new technology, Portsmouth Water will be able to locate leaks faster and improve the productivity of its field teams,” he said. “We’re delighted to be working with Portsmouth Water to bring this technology to more communities across the UK.”

Bob Taylor, chief executive officer at Portsmouth Water, said: “Reducing leakage is a key priority for us, and identifying and repairing leaks as soon as possible is essential to achieving that." Photo: Portsmouth Water.

Trevor Linney, Openreach’s director of network technology, added that there is a growing interest from water companies in using fibre sensing technology in this way.

The partnership forms part of Portsmouth Water’s wider investment in reducing leakage. Works are set to begin in December 2026.