NSW schools trial AI to catch water leaks, could save 2,700 megalitres yearly
NSW government is testing AI technology that catches water leaks in schools and government buildings before they waste millions of litres.
NSW is testing AI to find water leaks in schools, TAFEs, hospitals and public housing. The technology reads smart meter data to spot leaks and send alerts to managers.
Jethro Laidlaw runs the state's water efficiency programs. Jethro Laidlaw says the system could save about 2,700 megalitres of water each year.
The average NSW school uses about 2 million litres a year. About 20% escapes through leaks.
A tracking system showing all leaks across buildings will be ready by mid-2027. The trial costs $4 million and was developed with Griffith University.
It is already running at Tamworth Regional Council, Central Coast Council and Hunter Water.
- 2,700 megalitres
- Annual savings potential
- 2 million litres
- School annual use
- 20 percent
- Leak percentage
- 4 million dollars
- Trial investment
Why it mattersWater leaks waste money and millions of litres in public buildings. Finding them early saves both, especially as Australia faces drier times ahead.
AustraliaNSW families and businesses pay for public school and hospital water through rates and taxes; catching leaks saves government money that could be spent on services instead of fixing preventable waste.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
