The Emirate of Sharjah’s utility Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has successfully executed a cutting-edge project leveraging satellite technology to detect water leaks across its expansive network.
Engineer Faisal Al Sarkal, Director of the Water Department, provided insights into the deployment of satellite leak detection technology spanning a vast expanse of 5,000 km of water infrastructure.
This ambitious project involved a meticulous examination of transmission and distribution lines, employing sophisticated satellite technology to unearth hidden leaks within the system.
Through the use of advanced equipment, a comprehensive survey encompassing 400 km of the network was conducted, enabling precise identification of elusive leaks and their exact locations.
The fruits of this labour manifested significantly in 2023, as the project team successfully identified and remedied a staggering 542 leaks within transmission and distribution lines of varying scales. The consequential impact of this intervention is noteworthy, with a remarkable conservation of 788 million gallons of water achieved, equivalent to a saving of 27 million dirhams (approximately US$7.3 million).
Al Sarkal stressed that SEWA is working to monitor and maintain water networks on an ongoing basis and in accordance with the best international standards and aims and aspires to reduce losses in existing water networks.
