WTF repairs 256 leaks in water system

The Water Task Force leak detection and repair project continues to move forward as more leaks are detected and repaired daily.

As of last Tuesday, the Task Force reported that 256 water system leaks have been detected and repaired.

“These leaks are estimated to have accounted for approximately 2 million gallons of water loss per day,” said program manager Don Smith. “Now this conserved water serves to help fill up reservoirs and maintain pressurization for much longer hours in many areas.”

Many of the leaks that were detected and repaired were found in the utility water mains. Of the leaks found on the customer side, mostly on overflowing water tanks and leaks in and around the customer’s property, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is giving the customers time to repair their leaks.

“CUC has issued many warnings and several citations to CUC customers having leaks while asking them to install float valves on their tanks. CUC generally will give the customer five days to repair the leaks. After five days, CUC will again inspect the customer’s water storage tank and if no float valves have been installed, CUC will shut the water off to avoid any further unnecessary water loss,” explained Greg Castro, project manager for SSFM who is overseeing the water metering project for the WTF.

In addition to the leaks repaired, the Water Task Force and the CUC have also cleaned 283 water main valves and have also replaced 26 others that were found to be defective. Two critical pressure regulator valves (PRV) on Navy Hill have also been installed and an additional valve will be installed soon. This additional PRV should bring the water pressure within the acceptable limits for public water service for that area.

The initial 120-day contract with Hughes, a Seattle-based company, which started in June this year for leak detection on approximately 80 miles of waterline and perform the necessary leak repair work has been completed.

The Water Task Force announced that work on 106 miles of additional waterline has started and is expected to be completed in March of 2006.

“The WTF continues to strive to survey the entire island for leaks and repair all leaks as each of them is found. When completed, Saipan’s water system will have been completely surveyed and repaired to industry standards,” said Smith

Meanwhile, the ongoing water meter installation project, well drilling and well construction projects are both progressing towards achieving 24-hour water service throughout Saipan.

As of last week, a total of 4,344 water meters have been installed in many areas on Saipan. While WTF admits that there are certain areas that continue to suffer with lack of adequate water supply, the WTF also reports that many areas have recently began to enjoy a substantial increase in their water hours.

“All of the water system problems didn’t just show up overnight on Saipan. Most were inherited by CUC as they became a corporation. The WTF is not in the business of looking backwards for fault,” said Smith, “but rather we must strive to work together with CUC and the public in the best possible way to improve the entire water system to serve all the people equally with public utility water.

“While progress may appear to be slow, it is nevertheless positive progress toward the end goal of 24-hour water service and our goal is to fully achievable through the ongoing WTF program. It is also important to note that the Department of Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency have continually endorsed the ongoing WTF program as the most viable solution to the water situation on Saipan,” added Smith.

The Water Task Force is confident that if the ongoing water conservation and well drilling projects are continued as planned, the 24-hour system pressurization can be achieved during 2006. (PR)