How Drone Technology Improved Water Pipeline Inspections in WA
drone services
Aerial Survey & Mapping, Asset Inspection
Utilities
Project background
The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme is a critical piece of Western Australia’s infrastructure, delivering potable water from Mundaring Weir in Perth to communities in the Eastern Goldfields, including Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. Stretching over 566 kilometres, it ensures a consistent and reliable water supply to the region.
Regular inspections of the above-ground sections of the pipeline are essential for detecting corrosion, damage, leaks, and vegetation encroachment. These proactive checks safeguard the integrity and reliability of the system.
key challenges
Harsh & Remote Conditions
Traditional inspections involve on-foot and 4WD vehicle assessments, exposing teams to dangerous climatic and environmental conditions.
Limited Access:
Certain sections of the pipeline circumference are difficult or impossible to reach, leaving areas unexamined.
Time-intensive Process
Ground-based inspections cover limited distance per day, slowing response and increasing operational costs.
Our Solution
RemSense implemented a drone-based survey of the pipeline and surrounding corridor providing:
High-resolution, geo-tagged imagery for accurate identification of corrosion, defects, and vegetation intrusion.
A faster, safer method for capturing comprehensive inspection data
The ability to issue targeted work orders based on precise locations of concern
This approach significantly reduced the risks, time, and costs associated with traditional ground-based inspections.
Results
Multiple multi-kilometre sections inspected in detail for pipeline and corridor integrity
Third-party inspection teams identified numerous defects missed by traditional methods
Significant time savings and improved safety compared to ground-based inspections
Comprehensive, high-quality dataset for better maintenance planning
By integrating drone technology into the inspection workflow, RemSense enabled a more efficient, thorough, and safer method of assessing critical water infrastructure. the approach not only improved defect detection but also provided a richer dataset for ongoing asset management, ensuring the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme continues to operate effectively for the communities it serves.