Leak Detection
 With more than 3,000 miles of pipe, locating leaks in the Las Vegas Valley Water District's (LVVWD) distribution system can be a daunting task.
To find and prevent leaks, LVVWD is employing more than 8,000 leak detection units within the Water District's service area. The devices record sustained sounds or vibrations that may be caused by water seeping from the system.
These small two-pound listening devices are magnetically attached to underground water valves. Each night, the units "listen" for sounds of a leak. This information is sent to a receiver module mounted to district vehicles.
LVVWD crews patrolling the valley collect the data to help identify suspected leaks, which are then pinpointed with additional listening equipment.
Early detection key to saving water
With this technology, surveying for leaks is quicker. Leaks are found and repaired before they surface on streets.
The leak detection transmitters are critical in water conservation efforts. In 2004 and 2005, the units detected 540 sub-terrain leaks, saving an estimated 286 acre-feet of water (about 93 million gallons).
They are not a threat to public safety or security and should not be disturbed. The Water District is placing tags on the devices to identify them as LVVWD property.
For questions regarding these devices, please contact the LVVWD Distribution dispatcher 24 hours a day at 258-3192.
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