A trial of smart water leak detectors has revealed risks to homes from aging loft storage tanks.

More than 700 homeowners in Hampshire, Kent, and Sussex were involved in Southern Water's trial of LeakBot technology.

On Monday, the company revealed that 35 per cent of participants received a leak or high usage alert, mainly due to loft storage tank issues.

One home was losing 720 litres of water daily, equivalent to more than seven full bathtubs.

Homes in the South East, known for their 'hard water' due to high mineral levels, are prone to leaks from limescale build-up, affecting various household fixtures and appliances.

While water meters detect larger leaks, LeakBot identifies smaller leaks by measuring air and water temperatures.

The device, which attaches to the mains water supply pipe, connects to the home wireless network and alerts users through an app when a leak is detected, reducing water damage claims by 70 per cent.

Phil Tapping, water network demand manager for Southern Water, said: "No one wants to discover a leak through water flooding through their ceiling. Early detection helps homeowners avoid disruptive and costly water damage and could save our region up to 5.8 mega litres of water every year.

"Our region is already recognised as being water-stressed – we have less water per capita than Morocco – and it’s crucial we work together to address the enormous challenge we face through innovation, investment and collaboration with our communities and partners."

The trial showed more than 4,000 litres of water being lost every day through faulty pipes and appliances.

Applied to every home in the Southern Water region, this equates to 5.8 mega litres of clean, treated water that could be saved annually.

The LeakBot trial is part of Southern Water's efforts to address water scarcity.