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Sources of water leaks on Saipan identified
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Posted on Jul 13 2005
Faulty water tank devices, fire hydrants, water service lines and defective valves are among the sources of leaks on Saipan, according to Tom Ruppenthal, project manager for Hughes Supply Inc. Utility Service Group.
Hughes, the company contracted by the Water Task Force to perform leak detection work on Saipan’s water lines is working with the Commonwealth Utility Corp.’s leak detection team in surveying areas to listen for sound of any leak.
Leak detection work is now ongoing at the Lower Navy Hill area where the new water meters have been installed and in other areas like Koblerville and San Antonio.
“Work in these areas begin as early as 5am and depending also on the supply of water,” Ruppenthal explained.
The team inspects an average of 30 to 40 property service laterals each day, but the number sometimes varies depending on the extent of the leaks found. Leaks are classified as utility-side—CUC—and consumer-side.
Jeff Ruppel of Hughes said utility-side leaks are sometimes a result of hairline cracks and pinholes on water service lines. “So far, most of them are smaller service line leaks and smaller mainline leaks,” said Ruppel.
On the consumer side, Ruppel said most leak reports involve overflowing water tanks. Water tanks overflow when float valves do not work properly. Residents who have overflowing water tanks are being issued citations and are advised to repair the tanks, install and/or replace the float valves or water service will be cut.
Rick Cabral, also of Hughes, said the team also encountered problems involving utility valves that are not operating properly.
The team performs ground microphone survey and a point-to-point survey to detect the source of leaks. They also act as a follow-up quality control especially on areas where the new water meters have been installed to ensure that no leaks are created on service lines.
The team files their report everyday and includes a map to show the repair crew where the leaks can be found. These reports are submitted to the Water Task Force for review and approval of the repair.
The leak detection project is expected to be completed before the end of September. (PR)
