There are pleas for more investment in the country's water infrastructure. 

Otago University research shows 21% of piped water is being lost – in comparison, the Netherlands loses 5% and Germany 6%. 

They're also wasting around $122 million each year. 

Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe told Francesca Rudkin different technologies like thermal imagery or acoustic devices need to be utilised. 

She says there are leaks throughout the system, not just the ones that show in your house or on the street. 

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