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Utility Services Associates

Utility Services Associates (USA) is one of the most tenured companies in the United States providing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) consultation over a wide range of disciplines since the mid-1980’s.  Back then, many utilities approached maintenance reactively (“out-of-sight-out-of-mind”), which led to delayed maintenance and underinvestment.  Many of those same utilities are now paying a heavy price as water lines are leaking at alarming rates and demand and droughts outpace supply.  The American Water Works Association (AWWA) reports that water infrastructure in the United States alone will likely need an investment of One Trillion Dollars over the next 25 years ₁.

 

Non-Revenue Water

USA uses the most current methods and procedures set forth in the AWWA’s M36 Manual of Water Supply Practices, the AWWA’s Water Audit Software, and the EPA’s Water Modeling Software to collect and analyze data for our customers.  As active members in the AWWA, we are proud to have current members on the AWWA Water Loss Control Committee that have participated in the development of the Water Audit Software.

 

Water Audits

Water Audit exercises identify projects that reduce and mitigate future water loss.  Utilities with very high water loss may have numerous factors contributing to this loss, including: water leakage; meter deteriorations and billing discrepancies; excess system pressure, infrastructure age; improper equipment and material specifications; and poor installation and operating practices.  Projects must be identified, prioritized, and cost (benefit) estimated to position the Utility for success.

 

Water Leak Detection Survey & Pinpointing

While water leak detection is but one component of a complete water system asset management program, it is usually the most cost effective and quickest way to recover water and revenue losses.  An active leak detection program is also one of the best ways to mitigate losses in other areas of the water system, such as: lowering pumping and treating costs; reducing overtime hours due to emergency call outs for leak repairs; and lower liability claims by locating and repairing leaks before they become catastrophic events.

 

Regarding the technology itself, over the last 10-15 years, many new types of equipment, technologies and procedures have become available – some better than others.  When it comes to a leak survey, we are proud to have access to and use multiple types of equipment.  We are not tied to any single manufacturer and therefore we can use whatever equipment we believe is most effective.

 

₁  http://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/files/legreg/documents/BuriedNoLonger.pdf

We also develop methods and procedures specific to our customer’s individual system.  For example, the approach to survey PVC is much different than the procedures and methods used on metallic and AC systems.  To put it simply, we will cater our equipment, procedure and methods to meet each customer’s specific needs to achieve the highest rate of return.

 

Auxiliary Services

USA provides customizable auxiliary services to meet the customer’s need.  These include (not limited to):

 

  • General Water Loss Consulting that enhance and/or complement the customer’s NRW programs
  • Leak Detection and Pipe Location equipment sales
  • Annual Update Training / Field Survey Work
  • Customized Forms, Databases and Procedure Manuals
  • Leak Detection Tracking System
  • Meter sizing, automated reading and (related) equipment selection
  • Pressure (flow) Management
  • Technical Support
  • GIS and GPS Field Services
  • CMMS and Asset Management

 

Customer (Friendly) Services

We at USA are often asked what makes us different, and our answer is simple: talk to our references.  USA is a small but big hearted company that is very proud of its customer service; and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that there are no complicated computerized phone systems to frustrate you and no bouncing around from person to person.  We carefully listen, analyze and recommend appropriate solutions.  We are more interested in trusted, long term relationships versus a fast dollar.

 

Give us a call today at 877-585-LEAK (5325) or (206) 429-3751 for a no obligation discussion of your needs.  You can also visit our website at www.leakdetectionservice.com for additional USA information – or to send us an email.