The water company is seeking to significantly improve its ability to detect leakage and bursts across its trunk mains network, where current monitoring coverage remains limited. Thames says this lack of visibility restricts early detection and response, increasing the risk of water loss, asset failure, and service disruption. To address this, the utility intends to roll out a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) fibre sensing solution, with the ambition of achieving near-100% coverage across its trunk mains estate.

According to Thames Water, DAS technology offers the potential to transform network monitoring by converting fibre optic cables into thousands of acoustic sensors, enabling continuous, real-time detection of leaks, bursts, and third-party interference over long distances.

The solution must be scalable, cost-effective, and capable of integrating with Thames Water's existing systems and operational workflows. Thames Water is interested in identifying potential service providers who can propose solutions that directly address this challenge. The solution must be scalable, cost-effective, and capable of integrating with Thames Water's existing systems and operational workflows.

Providers will need to demonstrate how their approach will deliver reliable coverage, actionable insights, and long-term value. Key considerations include:

The successful partner(s) will play a critical role in helping Thames Water achieve its strategic goal of near-total trunk main monitoring coverage through fibre sensing.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 with further possible extension options up to 30 June 2034.

Thames Water reserves the right to procure additional quantities of the DAS fibre sensing solution, associated hardware, software licences, analytics modules, and related support services where these are consistent with the scope and purpose of the original contract.

It also reserves the right to implement further deployments across additional trunk main routes as operational priorities evolve, subject to the overall contract value and term limits.

Current estimated award decision date is 1 June 2026.

Deadline for submission of enquiries about the tender is 5:00pm on 23 February 2026 and deadline to submit requests to participate is 5:00pm on 12 March 2026.

Interested suppliers are invited to complete a Pre Selection Questionnaire (PSQ) which will assess legal, financial, and technical capability against the stated conditions of participation. Deadline for asking for access to the PSQ & submitting the PSQ is at 10 am on Monday 2 March

2026.

After evaluation of PSQ submissions, Thames Water will shortlist suppliers to participate in the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage. The ITN is expected to commence in March 2026. Shortlisted suppliers will be required to submit detailed technical and commercial proposals. Thames Water may invite suppliers to present their proposed solution to stakeholders to support clarification of their ITN responses.

Click here to gain access to the PSQ