Reducing Unaccounted‐for Water

Abstract

One of the essential factors in maintaining adequate service pressure is to preserve as nearly as possible the original tightness of a water distribution system. To accomplish this purpose the town of Cicero has organized a crew consisting of 2 engineers and 6 assistants who are specially trained in the technique of measuring and locating underground pipe leakage. District surveys are made regularly and the principal methods for locating leaks involve the use of the rod meter, 1-inch and 2-inch meters, aquaphone leak detectors, and a geophone. In addition to the underground leakage survey, a careful examination of all inside piping, plumbing and meters is being made by a master plumber employed by the department. Underground leakage surveys, resulting in an average water saving of 3,000,000 gallons daily, have not only afforded an appreciable and immediate financial return, but also play an important part in helping to meet the financial program because of the recent waterworks extension project completed with P.W.A. assistance. This program included 20 miles of new mains ranging in size from 8-inch to 30-inch, a 1,000,000 gallon elevated storage tank, the placing of 580 new hydrants, and the installation of an automatic pumping station of the latest design. The cost of the improvement ran upwards of $1,300,000, so that any saving in unaccounted for water tends to lessen the burden of the department. In addition, regular maintenance costs are reduced because every leakage survey includes an inspection of all valves, hydrants and service pipes on the mains tested and thus defects may be located and the necessary repairs made.