Browne Attends Future Water Event: Barry Jones on Tackling Leakage in the Water Network

Barry Jones, Director of Operations at Browne, addressed the Future Water Association at their event in London earlier this month, sharing his expertise on quality assured water pipe installation. With over 25 years in leak detection and mains replacement, Barry joined a panel discussing “New Pipes Don’t Leak – Do They?” where he examined the ongoing risks of leakage in new infrastructure, driven by gaps in quality assurance, limited pressure testing, and the increasing role of Self Lay Providers (SLPs).

Barry outlined Browne’s proactive approach to achieving leak-free installations, citing rigorous standards across three key areas: joint quality, pressure testing, and a comprehensive quality assurance process. He noted that all 20,000 joints completed in recent projects were independently assessed by ControlPoint, achieving an impressive 98.4% quality score. Joints falling below standard were immediately replaced before backfilling, ensuring 100% network integrity. Additionally, pressure testing, along with chlorination and sampling, validates each new section before connection to the existing network, eliminating leaks effectively at mechanical joints.

Browne has also driven digital advancements in standardising real-time assurance and documentation of installations through it’s in-house developed SiteEye application. With over 200,000 photos captured, this process ensures detailed assessment of critical installation components and supports the delivery of leak-free installations.

Our teams’ commitment to quality not only benefits our clients but also aligns with environmental goals by conserving water and reducing energy use. As Browne doubles its project scope over the next five years, maintaining these high standards will be crucial. Barry’s contributions at Future Water underscored Browne’s leadership in sustainable water infrastructure, helping to shape a more efficient and resilient network for the future.