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Council approves purchase of acoustic leak detector after hearing water-system updates
Summary
The council voted to buy an acoustic listening device to speed leak detection after staff reported a recently repaired three-foot line leak and described ongoing tank and clarifier maintenance. Members also set an engineering meeting for Jan. 29 to review scenarios with project engineers.
The town council approved buying an acoustic leak-detection device to help locate water-service leaks more quickly, after members heard detailed reports about recent system problems and repairs.
S5 moved to buy the listening device and the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff reported a three-foot line leak near the storm sewer that was found and repaired after being discovered by a staff member walking past the site. "We found and fixed that; it's been going for a while," S2 said when describing the leak and repair work. S3, who oversees plant operations, told the council the system had "no violations last month" but that crews had addressed air leaks and a snapped component in a south primary clarifier.
Council members discussed how new meters and acoustic equipment would complement one another. S2 said the acoustic unit lets crews listen at service lines to narrow a search to the actual service, saving excavation time. "The big thing is it's gonna save for us is carrying a bunch of [equipment]," S2 said, adding that experienced operators can use the device to locate leaks under difficult conditions. Staff said they had used an older model previously and that the new device appeared more sensitive.
Members also discussed a separate issue with a tank mixer that keeps stored water moving; the town is waiting for Utility Service Group to perform tank maintenance checks. S6 said engineering firms had provided updated samples and proposed meeting dates. The council agreed to try to hold an informational meeting with engineers on Jan. 29 at 10 a.m., with hybrid participation (some members in person, others virtual) to review scenarios before further work.
The council did not specify the purchase price for the acoustic device during the meeting and recorded no amendment to the motion. Follow-up items assigned during the meeting included scheduling the engineering session, confirming whether the Jan. 29 meeting would be posted as administrative or informational, and arranging for contractor inspections on the tank mixer.
The approval is intended to reduce field time for crews locating leaks and accelerate repairs, which town staff said should save money and service interruptions over time.
