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Mar 02 2010 | A WORD ABOUT YOUR WATER

A WORD ABOUT YOUR WATER SYSTEM

 

The Town of Rich Creek operates and maintains a water system with approximately 435 customers.  In an effort to operate the system as efficiently as possible, the Town implemented a plan to replace ageing components of the distribution system.

 

The Town of Rich purchases water from the Giles County Public Service Authority. The water is then re-distributed to customers in the Rich Creek service area.

 

In 1996 the Town purchased 50% more water than was sold. Water was lost through leaky pipes and inaccurate metering. Though an aggressive leak detection and repair program, the average water loss for 2009 was less than the state average of 20%. The money saved from reduced water purchases has been used to keep the rates low and fund improvement projects.

 

Water loss has not been the only focus of recent projects. Fire protection has been enhanced by the placement of fire hydrants in locations previously not served and the replacement of existing hydrants that had became unreliable. The cost of a hydrant and accessories average $2000 each.

 

The Town is in the process of replacing meters with radio read meters.  Thus far, over 100 meters have been replaced. Meter replacement is both expensive and labor intensive for the Town. Many old meters were hard plumbed without the benefit of setters and without backflow protection. Most often when they are excavated the service pipe from the main to the meter is in need of replacement. Most service lines are galvanized pipe 30 or more years old. The cost of materials alone is $400 or more depending on how many feet of service pipe has to be replaced.

 

As with these projects and future projects, there are times when water service must be interrupted. We strive to keep the interruptions to a minimum. Please bear with us as we continue our efforts to keep the system as safe, reliable, and cost efficient as possible.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

The Rich Creek Water Department

 

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