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Council hears extended report on unaccounted-for water, aging meters and leak detection efforts
Summary
Council and staff described joint leak-detection work with the Filtration Authority and suburban partners, identified aging industrial meters needing replacement, and said the city is running its filtration plant near capacity while searching for large unaccounted-for water losses.
Lock Haven City Council received an extended operations report on the city’s water system that described joint leak detection work, aging meters, and ongoing efforts to locate large volumes of unaccounted-for water.
Council members and staff said city, suburban and Filtration Authority crews conducted field inspections and gauge checks across several locations to try to identify the sources of a high volume of unaccounted-for water. The council heard that crews found no single, obvious leak in initial drives of the system and that several potential causes remain under investigation.
Staff reported that many industrial customer meters are old — some roughly 30 years old against a typical 20-year life expectancy — and identified at least 16 meters that likely need replacement, with an equipment-only estimate of about $26,000 for immediate replacements. The report said some industrial meters are installed without accessible blow-offs, preventing accurate testing; staff said that can hide meter inaccuracy or under-registration of usage.
Council members emphasized the city’s obligations to minimize waste and described the joint authority work as valuable. Staff said the filtration plant is being run near capacity at times and that crews are working continuous filter maintenance. Members urged residents to report visible or audible leaks in streets and storm drains because even small leaks can indicate more significant losses.
The council’s report did not propose a specific ordinance or immediate rate change; it described continuing technical work, planned meter replacements and further coordination with suburban partners and the Filtration Authority.
Council members said the cooperative tests and on-site work demonstrated the value of joint operations, giving the city access to more equipment and staff for troubleshooting. No formal council action was taken on the report itself; staff were directed to continue leak-detection, inventory and planned meter replacements.
