How does a water utility detect a major leak in the distribution piping system?
A major leak can be detected by: o Visual detection (water on the ground) by water company employees who work in the field. o A loss in pressure that can be detected by the Water Company and customers. o Reports by public-minded citizens. Once a leak is suspected, its precise location is determined by water utility personnel. Sensitive listening devices are used to detect the sound of the leaking water underground. Stopping leaks is important to a water supplier because leaks waste water, adding cost to both the water supplier and you. The water supplier doesn’t get paid for the water that is lost to leaks, but may pass its cost along to the customers. The national average for water lost from leaks is 15 percent. The City of Wauwatosa unaccounted for water use equaled 10.5% for 2005.
