Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water And Sewer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Victorville awards $166,615 sole‑source contract for satellite leak detection; system-side surveys limited to meter
Summary
The City Council approved a sole‑source contract with Utilis Inc., operating as Astera, for satellite-based leak-detection analysis not to exceed $166,615. Staff clarified the service will detect leaks on the utility side (up to the meter); leaks on the customer side remain the property owner’s responsibility.
The Victorville City Council on Jan. 21 authorized a consultant services agreement with Utilis Inc., operating as Astera, to perform satellite-based leak-detection analysis across the Victorville Water District service area. The contract was presented as a sole-source award and the council approved the agreement in an action capped at $166,615.
City staff described the technology as a system-wide survey tool that uses satellite data to identify probable leakage areas so crews can target inspections and repairs before small leaks become larger breaks. The council’s action formally deemed the services proprietary under the city’s procurement code and authorized contract execution.
Scope and responsibility: When asked whether the leak detection work would cover lines only up to the water meter — i.e., the city’s responsibility — staff replied that the survey would be scoped to the public side (up to the meter). City staff and council members reiterated that leaks on the customer side, from the meter toward the house, remain the property owner’s responsibility.
Why it matters: The technology is intended to reduce non‑revenue water and provide an early-warning capability so maintenance crews can prioritize field inspections. Staff said the Victorville Water District manages roughly 700 miles of pipeline and serves about 35,000–36,000 customers; the district has budgeted service-line replacements in recent years to reduce leak risk.
Next steps: The water department will schedule the satellite survey, receive a leak-analysis report from the vendor and follow up with targeted field work and repairs as warranted.
Meeting context: The item was introduced by the city manager and authored by the director of public works and water. A vendor representative was available by remote connection during the council questions period.
