Tracer Gas Detection Locates Hidden Underground Water Leak
Commercial Leak Detection was engaged to investigate significant unexplained water loss at a large mining accommodation camp in Cue, Western Australia.
The site contains more than 300 accommodation rooms supported by an extensive underground water network. Site management had identified abnormally high water consumption through the main water meter, indicating a substantial leak somewhere within the camp.
Despite the volume of water being lost, there was no visible water, pooling or other surface evidence to indicate where the leak was located.
Project Detail
The Challenge
Locating the source of the water loss presented several challenges. The mining camp covered a large area with an extensive underground water distribution network, while the absence of visible surface water provided no obvious starting point.
Unnecessary excavation across paved accessways and operational areas needed to be avoided wherever possible.
The investigation therefore required a systematic approach to first determine which section of the water network was losing water before specialist leak detection could be used to pinpoint the exact location.
Systematic Valve Isolation
Commercial Leak Detection began by carrying out progressive valve isolations throughout the site’s water network.
By isolating individual sections and monitoring the system, the investigation progressively narrowed the water loss to a specific section of underground pipeline.
This significantly reduced the search area and allowed the affected pipeline to be investigated in greater detail.
Tracer Gas Leak Detection
Once the leaking section had been identified, tracer gas was introduced into the isolated pipeline.
Specialist gas detection equipment was then used to survey the pipeline route and detect tracer gas escaping through the ground.
The investigation successfully pinpointed the concealed leak beneath a paved area, providing the onsite plumbing team with a precise location for targeted excavation.
This avoided unnecessary excavation across other areas of the mining camp.
An Unexpected Discovery Underground
Once excavation commenced, the onsite plumbing team from Mark Smith Plumbing in Cue uncovered an unusual explanation for why such a significant leak had remained completely hidden.
The escaping water had been flowing directly into an old abandoned mining shaft beneath the site.
Rather than rising towards the surface, thousands of litres of water had been disappearing underground and entering interconnected historic mine workings.
This explained why the site’s water meter showed substantial water consumption while there were no visible signs of leakage above ground. The discovery also identified a potential concern associated with previously unknown underground voids beneath the area.
Leak Detection Methods Used
The investigation incorporated:
- Valve isolation and network investigation
- Tracer gas leak detection
- Underground service investigation
- Precision leak pinpointing
- Targeted excavation verification
Successful Project Outcome
Commercial Leak Detection successfully located the underground water leak beneath the paved accessway, allowing excavation to be concentrated at the identified location.
The investigation achieved:
- Accurate location of the concealed underground leak
- Identification of the affected section of the water network
- Minimal and targeted excavation
- Elimination of significant ongoing water wastage
- Discovery of water entering an abandoned underground mine shaft
- Rapid repair by the onsite plumbing team
- Return of the water system to normal operation with minimal disruption
Mining and Industrial Leak Detection in Western Australia
This project demonstrates why large water losses aren’t always accompanied by visible signs above ground.
On mining, industrial and infrastructure sites, underground conditions can allow substantial volumes of water to escape without reaching the surface. Combining systematic isolation with tracer gas leak detection allows the search area to be progressively reduced before the leak is precisely located.
Commercial Leak Detection provides specialist leak detection for mining camps, mine sites, commercial facilities, industrial sites and underground infrastructure throughout Western Australia.
Learn more about our Commercial Water Leak Detection, Commercial Gas Leak Detection and Fire Main Leak Detection services, or contact Commercial Leak Detection to discuss an unexplained water loss or underground pipeline leak.