Leak Detection

Unmetered and/or Unauthorized Water Use

Unmetered water use is any attempt to obtain water with the intent to avoid paying for the water used. These types of connections are not only illegal, but they could threaten the quality of water that is delivered to your home or business. Examples may include:

Unmetered / Illegal connection to a fire hydrant

The hoses are connected directly to the fire hydrant without a meter or a backflow device. 









                     


Metered / Legal Fire Hydrant Connection

There is a meter and a backflow device between the hose and the fire hydrant.



Meter Bypass Attempt to obtain water without paying for the use of the water.














Meter Tap Bypass

These connections are generally found in areas of new construction.













Damaging the Water Meter

This meter was intentionally damaged in an attempt to stop the meter from registering the water used.

                  

 ****** Illegal Connection ******

$100.00 Reward

Unmetered and/or unauthorized use of a public water system is a crime subject to both civil and criminal penalties. In Fact, one of the most recent perpetrators of water theft on CUD’s system was sentenced to 30 days in jail. If you see unauthorized use of CUD water, please call us immediately.


CUD policy for tampering or unauthorized use of the public water system is:

Illegal Connection     $1,000.00              1st Offense

                              $3,000.00              2nd Offense

                              Arrest Warrant         3rd Offense

CUD makes every attempt to assure that all the water produced is metered and sold. If you suspect someone is using water that is not metered, please call CUD immediately. We will send someone to investigate and disconnect and secure the violation. Cud discourages anyone from obtaining water from the distribution system by any unauthorized means.

Water Leaks There are estimates that nationwide only 30% of all underground leaks ever come to the surface. By finding and repairing leaks, CUD can effectively reduce the level of unaccounted for water (UAW) throughout the distribution system. There are many different areas where leaks can occur such as service lines, valves, fire hydrants and main lines. Large leaks do not necessarily contribute to a greater volume of lost water, particularly if water reaches the surface. Usually leaks that surface are quickly isolated and repaired. Undetected leaks can lead to large quantities of lost water since these leaks may exist for long periods of time.


Staff

CUD has a leak detection department that is trained in the principles and procedures of leak detection. CUD implements a systematic approach to water leak detection. Our trained staff conducts an aggressive and ongoing leak detection survey on our distribution system as a means of reducing water loss due to increasing costs of production and reduction in the water supply.

Note: CUD performs leak detection services only on distribution mains and services that belong to CUD.
 

Leak Detecting Equipment

We use sonic leak detection equipment which identifies and magnifies the sound of water escaping a pipe. This equipment allows unseen leaks to be detected when water is not coming to the surface. Our staff uses this equipment to perform point to point leak surveys throughout the system on an annual basis. Leaks can be detected by listening on mains, meters, valves, fire hydrants, and blow-offs.














Things you can look for if you suspect that you may have a leak:

 

  • Check toilets
  • Look for dripping faucets and hose connections
  • Look underneath your house for any water leaks
  • Check the yard (meter to house) for any wet areas or soft spots
  • Check the settings on your irrigation system


Department Contact:

Kevin Hickerson
Assistant Manager
Telephone: (615) 225-3332
E-mail: khickerson@cudrc.com