Each year, SPU takes proactive steps to detect potential leaks in both public water mains and private customer service lines. Early detection helps prevent costly repairs, property or infrastructure damage, and unnecessary water loss.
SPU uses the advanced technology services of Water Conservation Services, Inc. to inspect water mains along city streets. This starts with hydrant-to-hydrant testing. Technicians connect specialized reading equipment between hydrants and measure the distance between them. Using radio waves, technicians identify “spikes” along the path – signals that suggest leaks. The test is repeated in the opposite direction. If the spike appears in the same location, technicians can pinpoint the leak within a 5′ span. Next, a technician uses a sensitive listening device and magnification equipment to detect the echo of escaping water. We can further isolate the leak by turning off the curb stop to determine whether the leak is in the public water main or the the customer’s private service line.
SPU is responsible for repairing leaks in the water main. Customers are responsible for repairs from the water main connection to the inside of their property – including portions that may run under streets, sidewalks or driveways.
These repairs can be expensive, especially if they involve restoring pavement or concrete.
If a leak is found on a customer’s service line, SPU will notify the property owner directly.
Did You Know?
- The leak detection equipment is so sensitive and valuable it is transported in coolers for protection
- Most city streets are 1,000′ long with valves placed 500′ apart – typically two per street.
- Leaks on bedrock may never be visible. Water can drain straight through the rock without pooling or leaving any surface clues.
- SPU’s distributed water system includes 8 storage tanks/towers, 21 wells, 4 booster stations and 10 pumphouses.
- What’s the difference between a pumphouse and a booster station? The pumphouse is where water treatment (chlorine and fluoride) is administered. A booster station controls the pressure between zones, either increasing or decreasing as needed.
- Shakopee has three pressure zones –
- Normal (17th Ave and north)
- 1st High (south of 17th)
- 2nd High (west and further south, plus east on Wood Duck Trl)
