Sniffer dogs are being used in Western Australia to see if they can detect leaks in underground water mains.
In an Australian first, field trials involving two dogs are being conducted this week by the Water Corporation in Northam, about 100km north-east of Perth.
Chief executive Sue Murphy said a number of leaks had been found by the dogs, Tommy, an English springer spaniel and Emma, a cocker spaniel.
Ms Murphy said sniffer dogs were used in South Africa to detect water leaks, and the trials in WA endeavoured to see if the dogs could detect hidden leaks in areas where other methods were unsuitable or where human access was difficult.
The dogs, who are returning to Sydney on Thursday afternoon, were trained using local water samples so they could become familiar with its characteristics.
Water Minister Dave Kelly says there is nearly 34,000km of water mains across WA and it's important to explore new detection methods for underground pipes.
Mr Kelly says the trials will test the dogs' ability to sniff out leaks, how close they need to be to any leaks, and how far they can travel each day.
- AAP