Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mansfield unveils 'River,' a leak‑detection dog; staff cites $1M+ annual water‑loss opportunity
Summary
City staff introduced 'River,' a leak‑detection dog used to locate distribution leaks; staff said the program costs about $30,000 a year and that roughly 400+ million gallons of treated water were unaccounted for, representing about $1–$1.2 million in lost revenue at the lowest rate tier.
At the May 12 meeting, Mansfield city staff introduced River, a canine trained to detect water distribution leaks, and described the new program as a combination of operational leak detection and community education.
A city presenter said River is the first leak‑detection dog used by a municipal utility in Texas (as described in the meeting) and that the dog was adopted from a Mansfield shelter and is paired with handler Brad Bland, a long‑time utility inspector. Staff described River as suited both to locating small leak signatures and to public outreach because of his temperament and training.
Staff provided figures for the city's water system: Mansfield treats about 6.5 billion gallons of water and has roughly 400+ million gallons that are unaccounted for after meter readings. In staff’s estimate presented to council, capturing a portion of that unaccounted water represents roughly $1.0–$1.2 million in lost revenue at the city’s lowest rate tier. The presenter described the program’s operating cost at roughly $30,000 per year.
Council applauded the presentation and took photos; staff said the program blends leak detection for mains with the city’s conservation and education efforts. The item was presented as informational; no council action or budget amendment was taken at the meeting.
