Save precious supplies

Over the last five years the dedicated leak detection teams have helped save 28 million litres of water - or about 350,000 bathfuls - every day through detecting and repairing leaks on the company's 10,000km of water mains.

As a result the company has, for the fourth year running, met tough leakage targets set by its economic regulator Ofwat.

The area's first hosepipe ban for 10 years came into effect at the weekend in a further effort to preserve water supplies.

The company says it is investing 10 million a year on the detection and repair of leaks.

This is especially important while the south east is in the grip of a worsening drought, following eight consecutive months of below average rainfall.

Specialist teams find underground leaks, which can often remain hidden from view, by combining hi-tech monitoring equipment with more conventional detection methods.

They first use ground microphones at night, when there is little water use, to pick up sound signals caused by the flow of water leaking. The "sound" is then converted into an electronic signal, which is downloaded onto a laptop computer.

Using this data, the detection teams can assess and accurately pinpoint, to within two metres, where there may be a leak.

And to make absolutely sure they are in the right spot before mobilising the company's repair teams, they can use traditional listening sticks which help amplify the sound of leaking water.

A company spokesman said: "Customers have a big part to play too by repairing leaks on their own supply pipes. About a third of leakage comes from customers' pipes.

"Customers who suspect they have a leak on their supply pipe should call the company's free Leak Alert Line on 0800 028 3399.

"Likewise, if they believe they have spotted a leak from a water main in the road, pathway or verge, then they should call the same number.