Advancing Professional Leak Detection & Infrastructure Stewardship
Supporting certification, workforce development, education, and collaboration within the water industry.
Key industry facts from AWWA’s 2026 report:
Aging infrastructure is the #1 concern.
Why it matters
$2.1–$2.4 trillion
needed through 2050
Utilities are managing systems built decades ago while facing increasing repair and replacement needs.
Additional annual investment is needed from 2026–2050 to close the infrastructure funding gap.
Emergency Repairs
Affect the Workforce
54% of utility executives reported emergency repairs and system failures often or always lead to overtime.
Workforce Development
is Critical
AWWA notes workforce challenges include recruitment, retention, retirements, overtime, and knowledge transfer.
Why K9PDA Exists
Water utilities face increasing pressure to reduce water loss, maintain aging infrastructure, address workforce shortages, and operate with limited resources.
K9 Pipeline Detection Association™ (K9PDA) was established to support the responsible development of canine-assisted water leak detection through professional standards, certification oversight, workforce development, continuing education, and industry collaboration.
By promoting qualified professionals, objective evaluation practices, and ongoing education, K9PDA seeks to help utilities better understand and evaluate canine-assisted water leak detection as a complementary tool within active leakage control programs.
Supporting Utilities Through Collaboration
K9PDA encourages collaboration among utilities, researchers, educators, technology providers, and certified professionals.
Through pilot projects, educational initiatives, industry presentations, and professional development activities, the Association seeks to promote knowledge sharing and support informed decision-making throughout the water industry.
Collaboration helps advance workforce development, improve professional standards, and encourage responsible approaches to water loss management and infrastructure stewardship.