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PUC: water storage below normal, two automated leak‑detection pilots to start in months
Summary
Deputy water manager Ellen Levin reported system storage at about 56.1% of capacity and announced two automated leak‑detection pilots—customer notifications from meter data and distribution main sensing—aimed to begin within three to four months.
At the Dec. 9 San Francisco Public Utilities Commission meeting, Ellen Levin, deputy manager for the Water Enterprise, delivered the monthly drought and water supply update and announced two leak‑detection pilot programs.
Levin said total system storage stood at 56.1%, roughly 73.8% of normal for the time of year, and that recent storms improved cumulative precipitation but the system remained in drought. She warned the Commission: "We're under no circumstances out of the drought at this point," and urged continued customer conservation of at least 10% into 2015.
To improve early detection of leaks and reduce wasted water, staff will pilot two projects using the automated meter infrastructure. The first pilot will automatically flag continuous overnight consumption in customer meters and notify customers—staff said they are evaluating outbound calling systems and written notices—so residents can investigate a likely leak (running toilets, irrigation issues or fixture leaks). The second pilot will deploy listening/sounding devices on distribution mains to identify leaks in the system before they develop into breaks; staff said that pilot will pinpoint leaks so crews can repair them proactively.
Levin said the customer notification pilot should be ready in about three months and emphasized the utility is still considering which mix of outbound call, automated message and written notices will best reach customers. Commissioners asked staff to consider multiple notice methods because some customers screen robocalls and others prefer written notice.
Staff stressed that while the utility helps locate leaks, homeowners remain responsible for repairing interior leaks, and PUC will continue to offer assistance when customers call.
