PCPSA reports 1.7 million-gallon water loss; large leak in Rich Creek isolated

The Patrick County Public Service Authority reported a water loss of 1,726,883 gallons between the Town master meter and customer meters for the July 1, 2025–March 31, 2026 period, Executive Director Mark Vernon told the board at its April 28 quarterly meeting.

Vernon said the total loss equates to roughly 4.40 gallons per minute and an 18.6% loss rate before accounting for a large leak discovered in February. "Note, large PCPSA water main leak on 2/9/26 to 2/12/26, estimated loss of 700,000 gallons," Vernon said in his usage summary. Adjusting for that leak, staff estimate a systemwide loss closer to 12% (about 2.6 gpm).

PCPSA staff isolated the February leak on Feb. 12 in a dead-end section of 10-inch line within the Rich Creek Industrial Park; the section currently has no active customers. Repair of the damaged pipe is expected to cost between $4,000 and $6,000, the board was told. The authority said it pinpointed the leak by systematically valving sections of the system and coordinating master-meter reads with Town staff.

Board members were briefed on ongoing monitoring steps: monthly tracking of meter reads, estimated fire-hydrant usage, targeted replacement of low-usage or inaccurate meters, and coordination with county maintenance and local volunteer fire departments to inspect hydrants and isolation valves. The board directed staff to continue monitoring losses and to proceed with the planned repair when the contracted crew is available.