Echologics, United Water Sign Agreement for Leak Detection & Pipe Condition Assessment Services

Echologics, a developer and leading provider of acoustic-based technologies for water loss management, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment, has secured a three-year master services agreement with United Water.

The agreement enables any operating division of United Water to readily use Echologics leak detection and condition assessment services. United Water is one of the nation’s leading water and wastewater utilities, supplying services to approximately 7 million people in the continental United States.

The agreement between United Water and Echologics is the result of a successful transmission main leak detection pilot project, completed in the fall 2010. The pilot included testing of approximately five miles of water mains, including large diameter reinforced concrete pipe, pre-stressed cylinder concrete and cast-iron pipe for United Water New Jersey (UWNJ), a subsidiary of United Water. During the survey, Echologics non-invasively located a major leak on a river crossing, which was discovered on a 42-in. CIP water main, with an estimated loss of 100,000 gallons per day, and was isolated without breaking ground or disrupting service. As a result of the survey, UWNJ was able to quickly repair the leak, avoiding potential catastrophic failure.

“Leaks and aging water pipes present significant challenges to water service providers around the world,” said Antonio Vicente, operations engineer for United Water New Jersey. “By partnering with Echologics, United Water can take a proactive, efficient approach to mitigating water leaks and assessing the structural condition of pipes, before service is compromised. Using advanced technology to address these items head-on is critical for United Water to continue fulfilling its primary objective, which is to provide its customers with the highest quality drinking water. Also, at United Water, the environment is at the heart of our business, and locating and repairing leaks conforms to our commitment to environmental excellence.”

“United Water recognizes the value of accurate and non-invasive leak detection,” said Marc Bracken, vice president and general manager for Echologics. “Because our leak detection and pipe condition assessment processes do not interrupt service or require excavation, United Water should realize operational benefits and improved overall efficiency in its water systems.”

Echologics is part of Mueller Water Products, Inc., a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities. Echologics pioneered the development of a proprietary, acoustic-based system that non-invasively locates leaks and assesses the structural condition of both water and force mains. Water service providers across North America and in Europe, South Africa, Asia and Australia have leveraged Echologics’ technology to prioritize pipeline rehabilitation and replacement plans, and reduce water loss on all classes of pipes, for diameters ranging from 4 to 108 in.