KWD IMPROVES PRODUCTION AND

During the recent leak detection program the District took the opportunity to GPS some 2,200 valve points.

The valve covers had to be exposed, cleaned and operated in preparation for the leak detection program.

This provided the perfect time to GPS the points using our new, more accurate GPS point collection device.

The new data should be input to the GIS map by summer providing much more accurate data of the water system.

In the fall of 2010 the District contracted with American Leak Detection company to perform a system wide leak detection survey of our buried infrastructure. This procedure involved the use of very sophisticated electronic listening equipment. Every fire hydrant, fire hydrant valve, isolation valve and blow - off valve was individually listened to. This survey was performed in the 3 towns that we service. The outcome was both surprising and welcomed news, as only 2 very minor leaks were detected in the distribution system, however, the private service lines of 6 homeowners were found to be leaking. These leaks have since been repaired by the homeowners. We feel that this was a worthwhile project, taking a proactive approach to ensure that our system was in good working order, as we go into winter, a time when leaks seem to surface at the worst possible time!

The District recently launched a new program that puts the system’s GIS data into the District’s primary service vehicle.

The District maintains an extensive GIS database which inventories all the various pipes, fittings, service lines and records in the water system.

This new program enables the service field personnel to have immediate access to records needed to perform their jobs. Previously, this data was only available at the main office and required personnel to return to the office to collect this data prior to performing certain service tasks in the water district system. Personnel can now be immediately dispatched to perform service functions while already in the field.

“We have always taken great pride in our customer service and this is just one more tool that will help us continue to be quickly responsive to our customers”, said Guy Hodgdon, of the district Technical Services Division.

Currently just one vehicle is equipped with this technology, but future plans are to add more units to other vehicles in the fleet.