Public works reports major water‑line leaks, plans AMI and water master‑plan work

Ivins Public Works reported substantial progress on a city‑wide leak‑detection program and outlined next steps on an advanced metering and water master‑plan effort.

Public Works Director Chuck told council that crews used acoustic leak‑detection equipment to isolate sections of pipeline and had located two large leaks in the reserve area, which sits on a lava bed where water can disappear without surfacing. Staff estimated (as an early field estimate) one leak could be on the order of 20 gallons per minute; if that estimate holds, a single leak at that rate would represent nearly a million gallons per month and a significant share of system losses.

Chuck said the city contracted a pavement‑condition mapping survey and will use the results to support a life‑cycle pavement analysis; work is scheduled so most paving will occur in July with substantial completion of the Old Highway 91 project expected in August pending utility work.

On metering, staff described an AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) procurement plan and a pending grant to support installation. The RFP will ask vendors to price both AMI head‑end systems and replacement meters; some newer ultrasonic meters can both measure flow and detect leaks and some meters have remote‑operated shutoff valves for targeted service restriction rather than full shutoff.

Councilmembers asked whether new AMI meters must match existing technology; staff said many AMI systems are compatible with multiple meter types but the procurement will include cost options to replace meters where appropriate.

Public Works also noted a favorable donation of property from the Water Conservancy District for a planned sewer lift station site, reducing expected acquisition costs for that project.