Leak Detection Helps Prevent Water Main Breaks
As part of its ongoing efforts to conserve its community’s vital drinking water resource, the Hicksville Water District (HWD) has implemented an acoustical water main leak detection survey program, which is performed on a third of the District’s distribution system each year. This spring’s program will run from April 4 to April 15 in the northeast section of the District, which is north of Woodbury Road and east of Miller Road to South Oyster Bay Road.
“Leaks in our distribution system can easily go undetected since they are located underneath the surface,” said HWD Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “The District is responsible for making sure that water is not wasted on its way to our residents’ homes, making the repair of leaks an essential part of our infrastructure upkeep. We are fortunate enough to have a wealth of advanced equipment and technology that help us detect leaks with next to no disturbances for our community.”
A leak detection survey is a physical evaluation of a water system to proactively identify specific leaks which may be invisible on the surface. The process for identifying a leak involves the use of a listening device which emits sounds waves to pinpoint the source of a leak within the distribution system, whether they be in a pipe or a fitting. The program has the opportunity to save a significant amount of water and money. By identifying subsurface leaks, the District is able to make smaller, cheaper repairs before they become more major issues, such as a water main break.
Most of the work will be performed during the night by a District contractor. This is when water use is at its lowest, making leaks easier to detect. The special acoustical equipment used by the contractor does not generate any noise. Contractors will be wearing personal protective equipment and will carry proper identification at all times.
Residents can contact the District office at 516-931-0184 or at info@hicksvillewater.org should they have any questions or require any additional information.
