Episode 6 of the Uisce Matters Podcast

Ireland’s water network spans over 65,000km — enough to wrap around the globe one and a half times. Yet much of this essential infrastructure is hidden beneath our streets, and leakage remains one of the biggest challenges facing the system.

In this episode of Uisce Matters, host Orlaith Blaney is joined by Alan Milton, Head of Water Network Management at Uisce Éireann Irish Water, for a behind the scenes look at how leakage happens and how it’s managed. Alan explains the difference between a leak and a burst, why many of the most problematic leaks are hidden deep underground, and how Uisce Éireann prioritises repairs when hundreds of leaks are being fixed every week across the country.

The conversation also explores the realities of leak detection on a national network — from the traditional skill of listening for water escaping from pipes to nighttime working and the use of new and emerging technologies, from smart meters and acoustic sensors to satellite detection. At its core, this episode is about scale, expertise and persistence — and the ongoing effort required to manage leakage and protect Ireland’s water supply.