
Water Utilities
Water utility inspection services across the UK
Water infrastructure is under constant pressure — from ageing assets and tightening regulatory requirements to the practical challenge of inspecting critical components without disrupting supply. Many of the most serious threats develop out of sight, in locations that standard inspection methods simply cannot reach.
At Sutro Group, we provide specialist inspection services for water utilities across the UK, working alongside in-house teams to deliver a complete picture of asset condition. Our integrated capability — UAV inspection, rope access, advanced NDT, and underwater robotics — means operators get a single experienced team covering everything from elevated structures to submerged tank walls and confined underground networks.
Inspection services UK
The challenges we solve
Corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS)
Pipework resting on its supports creates the perfect conditions for hidden corrosion to develop — trapped moisture, restricted airflow, and no line of sight for visual inspection. CUPS is one of the leading causes of unplanned failure in water distribution and treatment infrastructure, yet it is routinely missed by standard inspection programmes. Our specialist NDT detects and maps subsurface corrosion at pipe support contact zones without removing pipework, lifting supports, or taking assets offline. Operators get an accurate picture of wall thickness and corrosion extent — the information needed to make informed maintenance decisions rather than waiting for failure.
Confined and GPS-denied spaces
Underground pipe networks, culverts, and internal structures present real challenges for both personnel safety and standard UAV technology. The Elios 3 is designed specifically for confined, GPS-denied environments — capturing inspection-grade data where traditional access is not feasible.
Tank and reservoir inspection without dewatering
Taking a storage tank or reservoir out of service for inspection is costly and operationally disruptive. Hidden corrosion on submerged tank walls and bottom plates can go undetected for years when dewatering is avoided and visual-only methods are used. Our underwater robotic systems inspect tank walls and bottom plates in full detail while assets remain operational — delivering the data that dewatering-avoidance inspection has historically been unable to provide.
Access to elevated and difficult structures
Water treatment sites and pumping stations often include elevated pipework, structures, and equipment that require periodic inspection and maintenance. Our IRATA-certified rope access teams provide safe, efficient access without the cost and disruption of scaffolding.
Recent Oil & Gas articles
Technical insights and inspection guidance for oil and gas asset managers — covering hidden corrosion detection, CUPS, CUI, and integrated inspection methods for pipelines, storage vessels, and process plant structures.
Get in touch to discuss your inspection requirements
0800 069 9395 | info@sutrogroup.co.uk
Find out how our access solutions can offer you cost efficiency whilst ensuring quality and safety.
0800 069 9395
Frazer Building
126 Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5LE
Pipe inspection services UK: inspecting water assets without downtime or dewatering
Hidden Corrosion at Pipe Supports