Full Description

This paper describes the leak detection and repair efforts of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, a wholesale distributor of drinking water to 43 cities and towns in the Boston area. In 1987, after Boston had reduced its demand by 20 mgd through leak repair, leaks in smaller communities still amounted to an estimated recoverable leakage of 25 mgd, or 7% of total use. This projected savings became the cornerstone of MWRA's conservation program. The leak- detection program operates on two fronts. First, the district instituted annual leak surveys on all 260 miles of MWRA pipelines. Second, it funded an aggressive, once-through leak detection survey to put all supplied communities on the same level of integrity. MWRA regulations and contract terms placed responsibility for continued leak detection and repair on the communities. Finally, the MWRA provides technical assistance to communities through its own staff and by offering training, procuring contractors at cost, and loaning equipment for leak detection. In 1989, leak repair was responsible for more than half of the almost 40 mgd reduction in use from the previous year.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1990 ISBN(s): 0898675561 Number of Pages: 11File Size: 1 file , 460 KB