The New Indian Express 07.05.2013
BWSSB eyes helium to detect water leaks
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is exploring the possibility of detecting leaks in its pipelines by releasing helium gas into them along with water.
BWSSB has roped in experts from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to provide logistics for the pilot project, which was proposed before elections were announced. If the project is implemented, Bangalore will be the second city in the country to undertake such an experiment.
According to officials, Delhi Jal Nigam has already undertaken a similar venture and experts from IISc and BWSSB visited Delhi to explore the viability of the project. They recommended that a pilot project be undertaken to see if the technique suits Bangalore’s conditions.
The Technique
If successful, this technique would be a boon for BWSSB as more than 36 per cent of the water pumped by the Board goes unaccounted for and it is losing around `20 crore every month due to the leaks. BWSSB has already allotted tenders to trace the leakages using complex techniques in three zones at a cost of over `300 crore.
Since water leaks in the underground pipelines go undetected for years, officials decided to release helium, which does not affect the quality of the water. As helium is very light, it rises above the ground and can be easily detected through specially designed sensors by drilling small holes along the pipelines.
Leakages in the water lines can easily be traced wherever the helium gas leakage is traced. Such checks can be undertaken periodically and it would help in maintenance.
