Research on Precise Leakage Localization Technology in Water Supply Networks Based on Surface Array Sampling

Water leakage in water supply pipeline networks leads to water resource loss, drinking water contamination, and ground subsidence. The existing acoustic leak detection techniques are constrained by low signal-to-noise ratios of leakage signals, difficulties in wave velocity estimation, and rapid signal attenuation, often resulting in localization errors of several meters. This study proposes a “wavenumber–frequency spectrum filtering and phase analysis” method for leak source localization, achieving precise positioning of underground water pipeline leaks through surface-mounted sensor array sampling. Based on the numerical simulation results, this research reveals the wavenumber–frequency spectrum characteristics of leakage noise on the ground surface, analyzes the impact of the sampling strategies on the wavenumber extraction, and ultimately constructs a localization model suitable for near-field array sampling. A mean localization error of 0.0374 m was achieved in a controlled experiment under single-layer sandy soil conditions, demonstrating the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method under these tested conditions and providing a promising basis for precise leak localization in water supply networks that warrants further field validation.