How Drone Technology Improved Water Pipeline Inspections in WA

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.

project media

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