AWWA DSS60342

A major military base in the Northeast United States experienced an increasing number of water main leaks in its 60-year old distribution system, and its Public Works crews lacked an effective method for detecting and locating the leaks. Some of the water leaks surfaced and were easily found while others went undetected for extended periods, discharging to underground sinkholes. The Public Works crews had used labor-intensive methods to find leaks or contracted with a leak detection service. They were looking for a tool that would help them rapidly respond to leaks and ultimately reduce costs. Engineers evaluated six leak-detection options. The study examined the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and technical limits of each method. Two technologies, leak detection field surveys and permanently mounted noise detectors, were found to be the most accurate and sensitive options. Includes 2 references, figures.