Leak location methods are commonly used on impervious works; however, the selection of the leak location method to be performed is not always a well-informed decision that takes into account the given project particularities. Are all methods therefore equal? If not, then how do they compare in terms of precision and complexity, and are there circumstances under which some methods are simply in-appropriate? This paper will compare three electrical leak location methods that are used on exposed geomembranes to validate 100% of the installed geomembrane: water puddle (ASTM D7002), arc testing (ASTM D7953), and spark testing (ASTM D7240). To begin, a description of each method will be given, detailing how each works. Then, based on field experience, indoor testing, and ASTM standards, an assessment of each method will be given based on how well or poorly adapted it is to certain common scenarios (e.g. on slopes, on top of wrinkles, on dirty/wet surfaces, and on different types of geomembranes, if applicable). The goal of this paper is to give pertinent information to the industry, and to assist stakeholders in select-ing the most appropriate leak location method based on site parameters, weather, access to a water source, type of liner to be surveyed, speed, accuracy, autonomy of batteries, setup time, and limitations (wrinkles, dirty or wet geomembrane etc.).
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