Sydney Water trains Joey the spaniel to sniff out water leaks

Joey the working springer spaniel is set to become the first sniffer dog to be trained to detect leaks in Sydney’s drinking water pipeline.

He is just 10 months old, but Joey the working springer spaniel is set to become the first sniffer dog to be hired to hunt down leaks in Sydney’s drinking water pipeline.

Motivated to work with the promise of a play with a tennis ball as a reward, the purpose-bred puppy is soon to head into the field after completing his training with Sydney Water.

The scent-sensitive canine, who has been trained to detect the scent of chlorine in tap water, will join two other spaniels Sydney Water has enlisted to detect wastewater leaks.

With around 40 leaks recorded per day, Sydney Water is hoping its newest recruit will bolster its efforts in keeping its pipeline sealed.

Sydney Water network scientist and dog handlers Nicole Harvey (left) and Bettina Grieve pictured with Joey, Winnie and Ziggy the water detection dogs. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Joey’s handler Bettina Grieve, who is a Sydney Water network scientist, said the spaniel was sourced from renowned Australian dog trainer Steve Austin, who has supplied canines to government departments around the world.

“Joey is our first water leak detection dog,” she said.

“The training started with a cup
of drinking water; then we moved
to rainwater. We just reinforced that the ball reward was with the chlorinated water.

“He really loves it. For him, it’s not work. He thinks it's a massive game with his best mate.”

Once commissioned, Joey will be sent to sites where Sydney Water believes there may be a leak as a result of a drop in water pressure, an influx of stormwater or complaints from customers.

Sydney Water dog handler Bettina Grieve with Joey the water leak detection dog. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Joey the spaniel is trained to detect water leaks. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

While Sydney Water had a superior leak detection program using the latest technology such acoustic listening devices, a dog was able cover more ground than a person at speed, especially in hard to access areas, Ms Grieve said.

After a working week, the spaniel will be sent on the weekends to the luxury Calabash Kennels in Arcadia for downtime.

There are more than 300 Sydney Water staff charged with maintaining its water and wastewater net, with 15 dedicated to looking for hidden leaks.

Sydney Water recently commissioned two other spaniels — Winnie and Ziggy — to its wastewater leak detection program.

When Joey’s working week is over, he will be sent to a luxury kennel. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It can be revealed the pair have cleared 24 areas of wastewater pollution, alerting the team to illegal dumping of wastewater and trade waste chemicals, wastewater leaks into stormwater canals, pressure mains leaks, and located sources of odour complaints for customers.

Water Minister Melinda Pavey said early detection of leaks was critical in preventing major water losses through a break

“If Joey can find hidden leaks, it will not only help us reduce water loss but we can prevent major breaks from occurring,” she said.

“This will help us protect our water supply, whether we’re in drought or not.”