A DOG squad is sniffing out unseen water mains leaks in a winter push by Scottish Water.

The four-legged force has been brought in to find problems in rural areas.

Trained by ex-military dog handlers, the pooches use their keen sense of smell – which is 40-times stronger than the human equivalent – to detect the scent of chlorine in treated water.

Spaniels Snipe and Denzel have been taking part in trials of the scheme in Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire.

In the past week the pair found leaks at mains in the Dalmellington and Lochmaben areas.

Craig Garment, a Scottish Water network analyst, said: “We use modern technology such as ground microphones, correlators, hydrophones and other devices to pinpoint the exact location of underground assets and leaks.

“However, some bursts in rural locations are more difficult to pinpoint and we are always looking for innovative ways to do the job more effectively and to continue reducing leakage.

“That’s where these sniffer dogs come in and we are hoping that Snipe and Denzel can continue to demonstrate during the trial period that their sensitive noses can detect treated mains water at very low concentrations.

“When the dogs help pinpoint the exact locations of leaks we then come back to that point, investigate, excavate and repair the bursts. They could prove to be great assets to Scottish Water.”

Luke Jones, of Cape SPC, which provided the dogs, said: “We’re really excited by this trial.

“We hope that, if successful, they can be used to help locate leaks in some of the more remote parts of the rural network.”