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Add another record for the summer of 2009: SAWS responded to more major water leaks in July than ever before.

In July 2009, SAWS crews responded to more than 1,600 customer calls, including more than 500 major main breaks. Compared to July 2008, that was an increase of more than 300 major main breaks.

The increased activity demonstrates the impact that the intense drought is having on the city’s infrastructure. Last month was the warmest July on record, comprised of 22 100+ degree days occurring in the midst of the driest 23-month period on record.

“As we respond to each call as quickly as possible, protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers remains a top priority,” said Val Ruiz, SAWS vice president of Distribution and Collection Operations. “Responding to these drought-related repairs is challenging, and we appreciate residents who help us by reporting each problem as promptly and accurately as possible.”

The rise in water leaks is a reflection of stress on the water infrastructure. Dry, hot weather causes the soil to shift and contract; that combined with higher amounts of water pushing through lines during the summer can lead to increased numbers of leaks and main breaks.

To prepare for a rise in ruptured lines, SAWS has adjusted work crew daily and weekend schedules to maximize the resources available to repair and respond to main breaks and leaks in the system’s 4,800 miles of water lines.

Since June 19, 2009, more than 300 employees have devoted more than 10,000 hours of overtime to repair main breaks and leaks across the city. But as 100-plus-degree days continue, SAWS is also carefully monitoring how much time crews spend outside to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

“We budget for increased activity in the summer, so we’re able to absorb the added expense of protecting our resources and the public from the inconvenience of water leaks,” added Ruiz.

To respond to any calls regarding leaks or main breaks, several steps are required to ensure each situation is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible:

• When there are multiple leaks or breaks at the same time, as is the case this summer, SAWS coordinators and foremen prioritize – or triage – each situation for response depending on its size, location and potential for damage.
• Crews have to identify and isolate the exact location of the break so that service interruption can be minimized to the immediate area.
• All underground lines in the area must be located and marked, including natural gas, electrical, telephone, and Internet, to ensure public and employee safety and prevent damage to property in the area.
• Managers ensure that the appropriate staff and equipment is on-site to efficiently repair the main break or leak.

With your help, the impact of water leaks can be minimized by reporting them to 704-SAWS (704-7297). Please provide as much information as possible when reporting a problem, such as the exact location, amount of water, and details on how the break is impacting the surrounding area.