Leak detection teams will form part of a water conservation programme in Co Kerry, where an estimated five million gallons a day are unaccounted for.
The €3 million plan to tackle serious wastage in public water supplies, announced by Kerry County Council, will also include repair teams who will identify leaks and poor-quality mains. The programme is funded by the Department of the Environment.
It is estimated that about half of the 11 million gallons extracted each day from Lough Guitane, for the central regional water supply scheme servicing Killarney, Castleisland and Tralee, is "unaccounted for", according to council engineers in a report.
Much of this water may be lost through leaks in mains and domestic connections, under-recording and wastage by consumers.
Water was also unaccounted for in illegal connections or other connections not known to the water services. An improved network of water meters on mains will also be provided.