State-of-the-art technology is being harnessed to save water from leaking out of pipes.

South East Water has invested £1.5million on valves that will stop the pressure building up in pipes and prevent bursting.

The utility firm has awarded the contract for the high tech water pressure reduction valve (PRV) system to leading technology company i2O Water in a bid to reduce leakage.

It has ordered 200 of the valves, which should be in place within a few months.

South East Water has said they are dealing with tackling leaks as a matter of priority and hope the new technology, which is one of the quickest and easiest to be installed, will help.

The company hopes the i20 valves will stop pipes bursting and cracking, causing the leaks. As drought conditions change the water firm will be able to use remote controls to change the pressure levels at any time of the day or night.

The new systems will start to be installed in Sussex in the next weeks.

i2O Water said its award-winning pressure management systems help to reduce water leakage, cut burst frequency, save energy and also minimise disruption caused by roads being dug up to find leaks and repair burst mains is substantially reduced.

“We are delighted to be working with South East Water and proud to be helping them reduce the impact of the drought on their customers,” it said.

Keith Hilson, head of leakage for South East Water, said: “Leakage detection and reduction is a top priority for South East Water so we are excited by the results promised by i2O and are keen to implement the new system as quickly as possible.

“This work is particularly important for South East Water given the severity of the current drought.

"South East England has had the driest two-year period since records began and in March saw less than half the average rainfall expected for the month, as well as warmer temperatures than usual.

“April was exceptionally wet, but this one wet month has not made up for the two previous dry years.”