The 2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding for professional services designed to perform a leak detection program for the water distribution system within the Village of Arlington Heights. There are approximately 285 miles of water pipe located within the Village boundaries. This program will help minimize emergency water main repair by locating the leaks in the distribution system via acoustic detection before catastrophic failure which also helps reduce unaccounted for water loss.

Leak detection is performed by installing sophisticated sounding equipment to all of the valves and hydrants in the system. Any leak in a pressurized system creates a specific acoustic signature. Computers can correlate the sound between nodes to pin-point a leak underground. This information including estimated water loss will be provided in the final report.

This service is professional by nature and very specific with regard to the highly technical acoustic equipment used for the duration of the survey. M.E. Simpson is an industry leader within the specialized field of leak detection. It is anticipated the survey and field work will be finished within three weeks of Notice to Proceed with comprehensive water loss reports delivered within three weeks of completion. As the leak survey is performed and leaks are detected, M.E. Simpson staff will coordinate with Village staff for rapid repairs commensurate to the severity of leak. Staff has worked successfully with M.E. Simpson in the past and recommends approval.

Funds for the services are available in Account Number 505-7201-561.20-05. 

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board award the contract for Water Distribution System Leak Survey - Professional Services to M.E. Simpson for the not-to-exceed amount of $55,770 and authorize Staff to execute the necessary documents.