Hydrophone Array Monitoring for Water Mains

How Hydrophone Array Monitoring for Water Mains Works

Hydrophone array monitoring deploys multiple hydrophone sensors at intervals along a water main section — typically installed through existing access points such as hydrants, air valves, or direct taps. Each sensor continuously records acoustic data and transmits it to a central processing platform. When a leak develops anywhere within the monitored section, the system detects the leak sound signature and triangulates the position using the time-of-arrival differential at each hydrophone. This provides both immediate leak detection and precise location — typically within 1-2 metres. Permanent hydrophone array systems are the most advanced leak monitoring technology available for critical water mains, providing the earliest possible detection of developing failures.

Applications in BC

• Critical water main monitoring for municipal utilities
• Transmission main leak detection on large-diameter pipes
• Tunnel and utility corridor water pipe monitoring
• Industrial plant process water line monitoring
• Pipeline crossing monitoring under highways and rivers