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Council approves purchase of acoustic leak detector after town leak traced to fiber work
Summary
Orleans council voted to buy an acoustic listening device to speed leak detection after staff described a recent leak caused when fiber installation struck a water line. Members discussed billing impacts and meter-placement challenges.
Orleans town leaders approved buying an acoustic leak-detection device after staff said a recent service line break was caused during fiber installation.
S2, who described the break, said: "It was a 3 footer line down here." Council members had been reviewing unusually high water billing and usage patterns when staff reported the fiber work struck a service line near a storm sewer and the leak had been located and repaired. During the discussion S2 and others noted billing periods can range from about 26 to 34 days, complicating comparisons of month-to-month usage.
The council debated device capability and cost. S2 characterized the equipment as time-saving and potentially cost-saving, saying it "might save money too." S5 moved to purchase the listening device and the motion carried on a voice vote; members affirmed the purchase during the meeting.
The device will be used alongside existing meters and fieldwork to reduce time spent locating small leaks in PVC lines and in sections where older meters or legacy placements make detection difficult. Staff said vendors and experienced operators will assist initial deployment.
