Electronic leak detection is a widely accepted technique that has been used very successfully throughout the world for the past two decades. In many cases, it’s the most appropriate method for identifying leaks in synthetically lined ponds or dumps. When intact and continuous, synthetic liners or geomembranes are highly electrically resistive, which allows electrical methods to be used for leak detection.

In almost all cases, a geomembrane will be used to separate two relatively conductive media: the underlying soil, and the stored water, fluid or waste. By applying an electric potential across the liner using electrodes within the soil and fill, it’s possible to measure current flow and electric potential distributions within the soil, fill or both. These measurements allow the presence and location of leaks to be determined.