MWDOC’s Leak Detection Program Saves Water and Money by Municipal Water District of Orange County Jun 16, 2023 Member Submitted News Did you know? Finding and fixing leaks saves water and prevents significant problems like sinkholes or property damage that can be costly to residents and local agencies. The Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Leak Detection Program partners with local water retailers across Orange County (OC) to locate and stop leaks before they surface, saving millions of gallons of water and thousands of dollars annually! MWDOC is committed to preserving water as a precious resource, made evident by the Leak Detection Program and the team that works daily to save OC water AND money. The program’s success is made possible by the four-person crew of MWDOC technicians who walk along miles of water distribution mains, meter connections, and other fixtures throughout the region in search of hidden leaks. Acting as leak detectives, MWDOC’s highly skilled technicians use tried-and-true acoustic equipment—a method that has been around for centuries—combined with geographic information systems (GIS) to identify the location of underground leaks, quantify the amount of water loss, and work with the local retail water agency to plug the leak before it can cause significant damage. One of the main benefits of this program is the considerable savings it brings to the OC community. MWDOC’s effort in finding leaks has not only saved water but also saved retail water agencies and their customers’ money. To date, the Leak Detection Program has located 1,369 leaks and saved 527.8 acre-feet of water a year, or roughly enough to serve 1,500 OC households. In addition to these detected leaks, nearly 200 were found on residential properties. By stopping these leaks early, local water agencies have saved approximately $425,975 and businesses and residents roughly $59,765 annually. This fast-growing MWDOC initiative exemplifies one of the rewarding career opportunities available to those entering the water industry. Just four (4) years ago, MWDOC’s Leak Detection Program included one (1) technician monitoring 400 miles of water mains and has since expanded to four (4) technicians who cover more than 1,600 miles throughout the region. While MWDOC technicians receive a competitive salary, retirement benefits, and job security, they also leave a lasting impact on the OC community and contribute to the health of people, the environment, and the economy. Visit mwdoc.com/watercareers to learn more.
