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Pleasantville staff report 12 million ‘ghost gallons’ lost in 2024; council to pursue contractor bond on water-tower project
Summary
Maintenance staff reported an estimated 12 million gallons of unaccounted-for water in 2024 and ongoing difficulty locating hidden leaks. Council said notices were sent to a water-tower contractor and the village will pursue the contractor’s bond after failed remedies.
Village maintenance staff told the council on Feb. 13 that water losses rose in 2024, reporting roughly 12 million "ghost gallons"—an increase from prior years—and said crews have found multiple hidden residential and main-line breaks that together explain the rise.
"This year we lost approximately 12 million gallons," Casey, the maintenance lead, said, noting the village had reduced losses in earlier years but experienced more breaks and hidden losses last year. Casey urged residents to report any smell of chlorine or visible standing water, saying small reports help crews backtrack to larger leaks.
Separately, council members discussed the water-tower refurbishment. Staff said the contractor failed to correct deficiencies after receiving a notice, and the village has received an unsigned certified-mail return from the contractor; the administration will ask its attorney to initiate action against the contractor’s performance bond. Staff explained the bond-holder may choose several remedies, including hiring a replacement contractor, reimbursing the village, or rebidding the work; the village must follow the bond company's chosen path.
Council also approved using about $30,000 in leftover storm-line funds to connect additional streets and address significant residential flooding between First and Second streets; staff said that work should eliminate major flooding instances though it will not eliminate every minor puddle.
Next steps: staff will continue leak detection, pursue the bond claim through the village attorney, and schedule the storm-line connection work once procurement is finalized.
