3 December 2007
City West Water is preparing for a possible increase in water main bursts and leaks with hot, dry conditions forecast this summer.
Anne Barker, Managing Director for City West Water, said the company is gearing up for a busy season.
“Repairing bursts is one of our highest priorities, particularly at a time when our customers are doing everything they can to save water,” Ms Barker said.
“Last summer we had a very high number of bursts and leaks with the clay soil shrinking due to the extremely dry conditions.
“The ground movement can cause pipes to crack or move out of alignment. Heavy rain after prolonged dry conditions can also cause problems, with the clay expanding and causing further movement.”
Last summer, City West Water responded to more than 1400 bursts and leaks, over double the number experienced for the same period in 2005/06.
Ms Barker said City West Water was fortunate to have experienced crews who worked hard to manage last year’s peak in activity. These same crews are now ready to tackle this year’s expected high demand.
“We closely monitor the number of bursts and leaks daily to see how it compares with previous years. That way we can anticipate peaks in demand and roster on more field crews and ensure equipment and supplies are ready for our busiest times,” Ms Barker said.
Last summer, City West Water changed the way it responds to burst water mains, and now turns the water supply off immediately, unless there is a threat to public health or essential services such as hospitals. The new procedure has saved an estimated 64 million litres to date.
Ms Barker said reported bursts and leaks are assessed and prioritised. Those which may present a threat to public safety are top of the list for repairs, followed by bursts and leaks which may damage property or lose large amounts of water.
“It does mean that during our very busy times, smaller leaks may take longer to repair. We do ask for the community’s understanding and patience in these circumstances,” Ms Barker said.
As part of its proactive leaks management strategy, this year City West Water surveyed more than 1300 kilometres of its mains network through its routine leak detection program.
An electronic listening device determines the location of leaks which may not be visible from the ground surface. Once they are found, City West Water will send out crews to fix the leak.
Ms Barker said the program had proved very successful, saving more than 1.2 billion litres this year.
“While bursts are very dramatic, we are also working hard to reduce the amount of water lost through leaks which can’t be seen from the surface,” Ms Barker said.
“We’ve renewed around 35 kilometres of water mains across our network in the past year, at a cost of $19 million.
“With the continuing drought, we want to reassure the community we are doing all we can to limit the amount of water lost through bursts and leaks. It is all part of our efforts to save our precious drinking water.”
If customers see a burst or leak, they can report it by contacting City West Water on 13WATER.