Schools trial AI leak detection technology to save water

The NSW government is trialling artificial intelligence to catch the millions of litres of water lost by leaks in schools, TAFEs, hospitals and public housing.

The technology analyses reports from smart meters to identify leaks before sending alerts to agencies.

Jethro Laidlaw, who manages the water efficiency programs for the government, said this could save 2,700 megalitres of water every year.

"The average school in NSW uses about 2 megalitres, or 2 million litres, a year," he said.

"We know from smart meter data we can see that about 20 per cent of that seems to be leaks.

"I've seen one toilet leak 7 million litres."

Information about leaks is collated into a portal that allows site managers to monitor multiple locations at once.

"If he's [ the site manager] looking after 50 different schools, then he has 50 different logins for 50 different sites and it becomes unworkable really quickly," Mr Laidlaw said.

The technology, developed with teams from Griffith University, is being funded by a $4 million investment through the NSW Water Efficiency Program.

It is already being trialled by Tamworth Regional Council, Central Coast Council and Hunter Water.

"Our leak algorithms turn a flood of smart meter data into a clear road map for maintenance teams, ensuring they fix the right leaks at the right time," Griffith University School of Engineering and Built Environment professor Rodney Stewart said.

Mr Laidlaw says work is underway to get Sydney Water on board with the pilot.

Preparing for the next drought

Mr Laidlaw said it was important to roll out the trial before the state faced another dry period.

"My job is to think about the next drought," Mr Laidlaw said.

"It also saves a lot of water and money along the way, but in droughts you can't roll out big projects like this."

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a strong El Niño until at least autumn 2027, which typically brings hot and dry conditions to NSW.

Water Minister Rose Jackson said the technology would save water and taxpayer money from going down the drain.

"Water is our most valuable and previous resource and we want to make every drop count, particularly as we enter drier summer conditions," she said.

"This is technology that can go further, with the potential to be rolled out across other sectors and into homes, helping households and businesses take greater control of their water use."