HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Leak Abatement Awareness Agenda Item # 11
OZTRUCKEE DONNER
, Pubhc Utility District
WORKSHOP
To: Board of Directors
From: Mark Thomas
Date: July 01, 2009
Subject: Discussion of Customer Leak Abatement/Awareness
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
This item concerns outreach and assistance to customers with water leaks on the
customer side of the meter.
2. HISTORY
Since November of 2008, the Water Department has installed about 300 water meters
with leak advanced detection capabilities. Out of 300 water meters, 45 of have shown
leaks on the customers side (about 15%). At the present time, when a leak is detected
on the customers side of the water meter, the Water Department sends the customer
a letter. The letter makes them aware of the situation and informs them of how many
gallons per hour are leaking on the customer side of the water meter. It also states
where, and what, to look for so the customer can find the leak on their own. Out of the
45 letters that have been mailed to date, the Water Department has been contacted
by 5 customers requesting additional assistance.
3. NEW INFORMATION
A Customer Leak Abatement / Awareness Program will be needed now that the full
scale Water Meter Installation program has begun. Implementation of this program
could have significant customer service and conservation benefits. Staff has been
working on a two part program to assist the customer with leak abatement and
awareness.
The first part of the program would focus on education and awareness, with a letter to
notify the customer of the leak and have step by step instructions to help the customer
find the water leaks on their own. Photographs will show the customer where and how
to access the meter tube or box. The photographs and letter will point out where the
District responsibility ends and the customer responsibility starts with respect to
customer owned plumbing.
In the second part of the program, if the customer cannot find the water leak through
the educational part of the program, the District could possibly offer a rebate of $50 to
$100 to hire a plumber with leak detection equipment to assist the customer with
finding the leak. The District could post on the web site a list of qualified plumbers that
would be willing to do leak detection. To be on this list, the plumbers would need to be
a licensed plumbing contractor, have appropriate level of insurance, and have the
appropriate leak detection experience and equipment.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the outreach effort will come from the existing water Department budget.
Funding for the leak detection rebate would come from the existing water
Conservation budget.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Review and comment on this report.
fJ
Ed Taylor Mi ae D. Holley
Water Utility Manager General Manager