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Resident says long‑running water loss has cost Murphy ratepayers about $1 million a year
Summary
Public commenter Maynard Little urged the council to address more than a decade of 20–30% water loss, which he said likely stems from leaking service lines and has required higher rates that cost ratepayers an estimated $1,000,000 annually. He referenced ordinances setting acceptable loss at 12% or less.
At the start of the meeting, resident Maynard Little urged the council to address what he described as a decade‑long water‑loss problem in Murphy that he says has driven up local water rates. Little said the city has experienced consistent distribution loss in the 20%–30% range for more than 10 years and that higher rates have had to cover that loss, costing ratepayers "an added $1,000,000 per year."
Little pointed to two city ordinances he said set an acceptable loss threshold of 12% or less (adopted in 2014 and 2019) and argued that the pattern of losses makes leaks the likely cause, given staff assertions that meters are about 99% accurate: "The water distribution lines in Murphy have been subject to these stresses for years and many lines have failed or will fail," he said, urging the city to prioritize replacement of older lines and to consult knowledgeable residents and local engineers in remediation planning.
Council acknowledged the comment and later in the meeting staff said the water‑feed construction project had not yet gone out to bid and was still being worked through.
