Water pipe leaks reported by text

Mains leaks are often not visible above ground

The details of underground water leaks are to be texted to a water firm as part of a high-tech project to cut the amount of water lost.

About 5,000 transmitters are being installed under streets and pavements across the North West by water firm United Utilities.

They detect leaking water mains which would not be visible above ground.

The scheme has been a year in the planning and is part of a £5.2m drive to reduce water leaks.

'No shortage'

United Utilities' network manager Katy Walker says the new technology will help engineers find and fix leaks more quickly.

She added: "Although there is no water shortage in the North West, it is important for us and our customers to both do what we can to protect the resources we have.

"When you have got 40,000km of mains as we have - enough to stretch around the world - then fixing leaks on our network is clearly not as straightforward as tackling a leak in your kitchen.

"These hi-tech loggers will make us more aware of any look for the big leaks by picking up changes on the network, and then effectively texting us the information."