Council approves $3,500 pilot acoustic leak study for aging cast-iron water lines

The Green River City Council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Fluid Conservation Systems to run a pilot acoustic leak study in areas of the city with cast-iron water mains.

Jason Palmer, Environmental Systems Superintendent, described the technology as microphones placed in valve boxes that record sounds from water lines and transmit data for leak detection. "It's acoustic technology that we drop down on valve boxes. And then they data log the sounds that are on the water lines... they're gonna be in place for 3 to 4 weeks in certain sections where we have cast iron lines," Palmer said. He named Fleming Gorge and several alleys as likely monitoring locations.

Council members asked about purpose and cost. One councilmember asked whether the study related to potential damage from traffic rerouting on Flaming Gorge; Palmer replied the pilot is partially prompted by that concern and by the condition of nearly 100-year-old cast-iron pipes. Councilwoman Bushman confirmed the fee discussed for the pilot is a one-time $3,500 charge and said she had forwarded detailed questions to staff.

The motion to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement was moved by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Shutran; it carried by voice vote.

What the pilot covers: the agreement covers placement of acoustic sensors in accessible valve boxes and a three- to four-week monitoring window. Palmer noted the city will clean valve boxes before installation. The council did not approve any purchase of the vendor's hardware beyond the pilot; Palmer said further purchases would incur additional costs if the city elected to buy equipment later.

Next steps: staff will finalize scheduling and have valve boxes prepared for the vendor's installation.