Dogs join the search for rural Hampshire water leaks

Dogs have been drafted in to help in the search for leaks in the water pipe network, with a utility company praising their "phenomenal" noses. Since December, Southern Water has been working with canine-led detection company CAPE SPC. Dogs Milo, Kilo and Tico have been trained to sniff out chlorine present in treated water and detect leaks in pipes in areas that are hard to access. Handler Steph Barrett said the dogs cause "no damage" in detecting leaks compared to what heavy machinery would. Southern Water supplies on average 566 million litres of drinking water every day. But the company loses 91 million litres daily through leakage. With about 90% of leaks not visible from the surface, more innovative techniques for leak detection include the assistance from animals. While out detecting leaks near Romsey, Hampshire, Barrett explained the dogs help achieve what humans and technology cannot, while having fun on the job. Her dog, Tico, is an eight-year-old Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel, which Barrett describes as having "huge zest for life". "He's clearly all revved up and ready to go - it's not work for him, it's just a big game." The handler said they always stopped search activi

Apr 15, 2026 → Apr 15, 2026