CRWA develops additional “fee for service” leak detection analysis program for systems that don’t qualify for grant funding
For over 20 years, CRWA has worked with various regional, state, and federal agencies to provide free or low-cost leak detection services to systems throughout the state. CRWA’s Leak Detection Specialists utilize top-of-the-line leak correlation equipment, acoustic ground microphones, and metal locator equipment to help conduct these surveys. Specialists are able to locate difficult-to-find system meters and provide leak detection analyses for critical sections of distribution piping—or for an entire system.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) estimates that about 81+ billion gallons of water leaks from municipal systems in the state each year. Just 1 drop per second equals about 3 gallons of water wasted per day. Some of the factors contributing to leakage include:
- Inadequate corrosion protection
- Older mains
- Faulty installation
- Material defect
- Excessive water pressure (and objectionable pressure surge)
- Ground movement due to extreme weather conditions
- Excessive loads and vibration from road traffic
When leaks prevent water from reaching end consumers, utilities lose revenue and incur unnecessary costs. Here are just a few examples of how leaks affect revenues, system efficiencies, and drinking water standards:
- Water utilities are the largest users of electricity in the U.S., consuming an estimated 75 billion kW-h annually, which is about 3% of total use (Von Sacken, 2001). Two to 3 billion kW-h of electricity is expended on pumping water for leaks.
- Leaks can cause damage to infrastructure. Leakage water often finds its way to sewage systems where it is treated, incurring an additional cost (Thornton et al, 2002).
- Or worse, leaks can cause damage to infrastructure that results in water contamination! In the town of Walkerton, Wisconsin, the resident’s water supply became contaminated with the highly dangerous O157:H7 strain of E. coli bacteria from farm runoff into an adjacent well. At least seven people died directly from drinking the E. coli contaminated water, and about 2,500 became ill.
For these reasons, CRWA takes leaks in California’s water infrastructure very seriously. That’s why we developed an additional “fee for service” leak detection analysis program for systems that don’t qualify for grant funding, and we continue pushing for the state to provide free leak detection grants to Disadvantaged Communities (DAC).
So, whether you manage a system within a DAC, or your system doesn’t qualify for grant funding, CRWA has you covered. Don’t wait to address this vital aspect of your water infrastructure. For more information on how we can help, contact:
Michael Sims
Lead Leak Detection Training Specialist
c: 858.444.6378
e: msims@calruralwater.org
