Analysis of Leak Detection Technology

In 2004, the New Mexico Environmental Finance Center teamed with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority to conduct an independent analysis of the applicability of the Fluid Conservation Systems, Inc. (FCS) technology. The project was conducted in three phases.

Phase 1 - Review of Leak and Repair Data

Phase I of the project originally included a review of the Authority's current water distribution pipe repair and replacement history from fiscal year (FY) 2000 through FY04. However, the scope of this study was reduced to FY00 to FY03 because of difficulties in finding the raw data for the last eight months of FY04. Phase I is a continuation of the previous water distribution pipe repair and replacement history conducted by the EFC from FY95 to FY99. The Phase I report includes an analysis of the Authority data for main line repairs. The report includes information such as:

  • the number and frequency of repairs made to the main water line distribution system
  • the type and size of pipe that was repaired
  • the spatial distribution of main water line repairs made throughout the water distribution system


Phase 2 - Review of FCS Leak Detection Survey Results

This report concentrates on how the FCS technology may fit within the overall Authority repair and replacement program. Phase 2 includes a review of the applicability of the FCS technique and observations of the FCS technology pilot project conducted on approximately 250 miles of water mains. The Phase 2 report contains information related to the use of the FCS technology, including:

  • an analysis of the types of pipe the technology can be used on
  • the types of potential breaks the technology is designed to detect
  • the repair history of leaks discovered by FCS
  • a comparison of leaks detected using the technology with the results of the Phase 1 study
  • water loss analysis of the entire system and the quantity of water the Authority may save using FCS
  • the experience of other water utilities who have used the FCS technology
  • the manner in which other water utilities integrated the process into their overall repair and maintenance program


Phase 3 - Head to Head Evaluation; Active versus Passive Leak Detection Methods

This report concentrates on how leak detection technology may fit within the overall Authority repair and replacement program. The Phase III report contains information related to the use of passive and active leak detection technology, including:

  • the number of leaks and type of leaks detected by each method
  • the number of leaks misidentified by each system
    • the length of time to complete each survey including pre-deployment activities, type of personnel required to complete the survey, and the cost to the Authority
  • how often each company would recommend conducting a survey of the water system with alternatives
  • comparison between the costs associated with each system for a particular time cycle
 Environmental Finance Advisory Board
EPA Environmental Finance Program
EPA Region 6 Drinking Water Program

Rocky Mountain Environmental Finance Center