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Board approves leak-detection contract as city seeks to clarify 15% water loss
Summary
Port Washington contracted Emmy Simpson & Company for a citywide water-distribution leak survey; city staff said recurring meter and uncounted leaks have pushed reported water loss above 15%.
The Port Washington Board of Public Works approved a contract with Emmy Simpson & Company to complete a comprehensive leak-detection survey of the city's water-distribution system.
"So by doing this, we're also going to potentially get ahead of what might be coming down the pipe from the DNR as far as a mandatory leak detection," said the speaker identified on the record as Public Works staff, noting the city has recorded more than 15% water loss in recent years. "If you have 3 years in a row of over 15%, they could require a leak detection," the staff member said.
City staff explained that reported losses are likely a combination of meter inaccuracies at the treatment plant and some undetected distribution leaks. The speaker said plant meters have required annual recalibration and that new meters being installed as part of the treatment-plant upgrade should provide better pumpage numbers.
Emmy Simpson and Company was described by staff as a firm used previously for leak detection and emergency events; staff said the company has the instruments and experience to locate breaks and chronic loss points. The board moved and seconded approval and voted to award the contract.
Staff said the work is intended to be scheduled for late spring or early summer to coincide with the treatment-plant upgrades and new meters so the city can better quantify and then address water loss.
