Missoula launches data-driven leak detection effort to curb decades of water loss
Key Highlights
- Missoula Water’s smart leak detection system identified over 12 previously unknown underground leaks during the pilot phase.
- The technology uses hydrant-mounted sensors that listen for acoustic signatures and send data to a cloud platform for analysis.
- Winter weather posed challenges, but hydrant-based sensors proved effective in harsh conditions without requiring excavation.
Missoula Water is taking major steps to reduce long-standing water loss across its distribution system, deploying smart leak-detection technology after a competitive pilot trial showed it could identify underground leaks with high accuracy and minimal community disruption.
Missoula faces aging water infrastructure and high non-revenue water loss
The city’s 340-mile water distribution network serves more than 27,000 households and delivers up to 45 million gallons of drinking water daily. Much of the system was installed decades ago—some as far back as the 1920s—and sits atop an old lakebed where leaking water rapidly disappears into the Missoula Valley Aquifer.
Historically, the aquifer replenished quickly, so locating leaks was not a priority. Today, rising population, aging pipes, and deferred maintenance have contributed to roughly 50% non-revenue water loss, putting pressure on the utility to shift from reactive repairs to proactive, data-driven leak detection.
Leaks range from small service-line failures to large main breaks that cause visible roadway damage. Missoula Water needed a solution that was accurate, minimally disruptive, and deployable without requiring continuous field crews.
Pilot competition tests leak detection technologies in real-world conditions
To find the best technology, Missoula Water launched a head-to-head pilot competition between four vendors from June to August 2024. Each deployed leak detection systems in areas not traditionally targeted for leaks, enabling impartial evaluation.
The utility scored systems on functionality, installation, speed and accuracy of detection, software tools, customer service, and cost. One of the competitors, Orbis Intelligent Systems, installed its SmartCap hydrant-mounted sensors across downtown and residential neighborhoods.
The devices listen for acoustic signatures underground and send secure wireless data to a cloud-based analysis platform. Algorithms compare sound correlations using GPS time-stamping to pinpoint leaks within feet—providing actionable alerts for technicians.
Winter weather played a major role in the evaluation. Hydrant-based systems proved advantageous because they could operate through harsh conditions and be redeployed quickly without requiring excavation or field labor.
“With temperatures being so low in the winter, it can be hard to get out-and-about,” said Aaron Metcalf, leak investigation specialist at Missoula Water. “One of the reasons we wanted to use leak detection technology was to supplement our winter work program and day-to-day operations to find leaks during harsh weather, but also to teach us what the cause-and-effect correlation is for leaks now and in the future.”
Smart leak detection technology helps Missoula identify hidden water leaks
Across the pilot areas, Missoula Water found more than 12 previously unknown leaks, confirming the potential impact of continuous acoustic monitoring. So far, 30 SmartCap devices have been installed, and every alert prompting field verification has led to confirmation of an actual leak—no false positives.
Once an area is fully surveyed, the devices can be relocated, enabling the utility to scale leak detection citywide without major construction or street disruption. The cloud platform allows technicians to monitor alerts, distinguish between high water use and true leaks, and dispatch crews based on data rather than suspicion.
Since starting our leak detection program, Missoula water is pumping 3 million gallons less water per day compared to last year.
- Aaron Metcalf, leak investigation specialist, Missoula Water
Ongoing training and long-term leak reduction strategy
Missoula Water staff received training on interpreting portal data and analyzing alert patterns. Continued software training will help technicians adapt as the system evolves.
"Since starting our leak detection program, Missoula water is pumping 3 million gallons less water per day compared to last year," Metcalf said.
The utility sees no upper limit to the number of devices it may deploy. As Missoula continues to grow and its infrastructure continues to age, integrating smart leak detection is becoming a cornerstone of its long-term water loss control strategy.
The collaboration between Missoula Water and Orbis Intelligent Systems marks the beginning of an evolving, multi-year effort intended to deliver greater resilience, reduce non-revenue water, and protect the community’s water resources far into the future.
About the Author
Alex Cossin
Associate Editor
Alex Cossin is the associate editor for Waterworld Magazine, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions, which compose the Endeavor Business Media Water Group. Cossin graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Cossin can be reached at [email protected].