Centerton invests in leak detection and staffing after high unaccounted water levels

Centerton utilities officials told the council on Aug. 26 that the city has been intensifying efforts to locate and repair water loss, adding a dedicated crew and contracting specialized leak-detection work. The utilities director described a program begun last year to locate service-line losses (the pipe from the main to a meter), purchased listening equipment and hired a contractor to survey the system. The commission said this year's budget added a $500,000 contractor allocation and that staff are considering a second crew and related equipment, which would add another roughly $500,000 in operating cost and personnel if adopted. Why it matters: Higher unaccounted-for water can increase operating costs and pressure utilities to raise rates. Officials said some of the apparent loss equals accounted activity (hydrant use for training or filling, developer construction flushing, donated water) and therefore can be subtracted from the loss calculation when properly documented. Commission staff said the largest category of leak-related loss has been small, distributed service-line breaks. The commission has invested in both private-contractor surveys using ground-listening devices and an in-house crew with similar equipment to find and repair leaks. The city also plans to expand metering and telemetry to better track usage on specific mains. Discussion vs. decisions: The council did not adopt a new rate or hire new staff during the meeting, but the utilities director previewed elements of the next budget and described a likely request for additional spending on leak-detection and an additional crew. Officials said the work will appear in the upcoming budget process and will be funded from utility revenues. Ending: Officials said they will continue to add tracking and reporting so the public and council can see where losses are occurring and how much is being recovered through repairs or documented, accounted uses.