Laserfiche WebLink
<br />distribution system. Thirteen (13) leaks were identified and repaired. Water <br />losses attributable to these 13 leaks were estimated to be 18,000 gallons per <br />day. <br /> <br />For the year ending December 2006 the system losses have been reduced to <br />11.74%; an all time low. At the current rate, contractors are expected to <br />survey the balance of ELCO water system by December 2007, and possibly <br />begin re-surveying areas first looked at in 2004. Funds are allocated in the <br />2007 budget to continue leak detection using a private contractor. <br /> <br />During 2006, the District purchased the Subsurface LD-12 "Professional's <br />Plus" Water Leak Detector. In August 2006, Field Operations staff received <br />technical training and will utilize the equipment to identify and repair <br />suspected leaks as a routine part of operation and maintenance of the District. <br /> <br />Reducing unaccounted water use from 25.66% in 2003 to 11.74% in 2006 is <br />commendable and is the direct result of repairing leaks identified by <br />technicians working for the private contractor. Implementation of an in-house <br />program utilizing equipment purchased in late 2006, and continued use of <br />private contractor is planned for 2007. ELCO's goal is to reduce unaccounted <br />water use from 11.74% in December 2006 to 10% by December 2007. <br /> <br />Xeriscape District Facilities <br /> <br />Along with its office, ELCO Water District has four pump stations and tank <br />sites throughout its distribution system. The District plans to xeriscape all of <br />its facilities as a means of conserving water and to demonstrate what can be <br />done with xeriscaping. Pump station #1 is located along a major arterial street <br />and will be completed first. This location is visible to many ELCO customers <br />during their daily commute. Signs will be posted in advance ofthe work to let <br />commuters know what will be taking place at the pump station, and to invite <br />participation. Water savings goals for these District sites are expected to be <br />50%-75%. More difficult to measure is the effect these changes may have on <br />those who observe the outcome. <br /> <br />Fee Structure <br /> <br />Beginning in January 2001 ELCO tap fees have been based on lot square <br />footage for residential customers. Irrigation only taps typically used to <br />irrigate common areas in developments are based on square footage of turf <br />and square footage of mulched planting areas. Tap fees for mulched planting <br />areas are one-half that of turf. The tap fees are very effective at encouraging <br />developers to reduce the turf in common areas. The tap fee schedule for <br />ELCO is attached (Attachment #4). <br /> <br />8 <br />