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This paper discusses a new concept in monitoring leakage throughout the distribution system byplacing acoustic monitors on service lines. Coupled with the use of an automatic meterreading system, it has become possible to monitor nightly changes in vibration patternson a daily basis.As part of the research, sections of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, water mains were exhumedand inspected to look more closely at the mechanism of main failure from the start of theleak to the surfacing main break. It is believed that many of the main breaks inConnellsville began as leaks from corroding pipe. If that proves correct, detectingleaks early may not reduce the quantity of and intensity of main breaks but lead to abetter approach to making infrastructure improvements for the system. The project had the following major objectives:to evaluate the potential of a daily acoustic monitoring network systemas a method to effectively manage an aging water distribution network;to identify differences in the pipes, and the subsurface environments betweenthe onset of detectable subsurface flow and the time when the leaksactually surface;to learn how acoustic signatures as well as pipe failures and environmentalcharacteristics might categorize leaks of varying types discovered at theonset of leaking; and,examine the structural characteristics of breaks captured near the time theleak starts to gain additional insights into the dynamics of failure. Leaks were divided into three categories:rapidly repaired leaks, those examined and repaired when first detected by theMLOGs;slowly repaired leaks, those that were repaired after specific periods of time afteracoustic device detection; and,conventionally repaired leaks, those leaks repaired after detection by normalappearance (surfacing) of the leak. The field task routine was a cyclic process of leak confirmation, locating,timed response and data collection. The follow-up data analysis and reporting coincided with AwwaRF reporting requirements to assure a strong research response as theresearch progresses.Most tasks actually reflected a sequence in response to individual leaks identifiedover time. The task of reviewing acoustic information was performed several times permonth. The leak repair/exhume/monitor responses was decided quickly for mainbreaks, service line repairs were accelerated. Includes 9 references.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 06/01/2006 Number of Pages: 14File Size: 1 file , 830 KB