Water System Leak Detection

The North Reading Water Department has initiated a leak detection survey of the municipal water system.  This survey makes use of acoustic leak detection equipment and acoustic correlating devices to detect and provide an accurate location for leaks on the water mains and water services supplying the drinking water in North Reading.

Leak detection surveys are conducted periodically as leaks can develop underground and run for extended periods without the water making its way to the surface of the ground.  These surveys help identify small leaks before they get larger, and aid in reducing water lost from the public water system.

The Water Department is contracting with Arthur Pyburn & Sons Technical Services of Rowley, MA to conduct this survey.  Residents may see vehicles with this company's name parked in their neighborhood and may observe the employees listening to, or placing equipment on, fire hydrants, water valves and the valve supplying water to your home in order to detect and locate potential leaks.  In higher traffic areas, they may work in the night hours in order to accomplish this work.

The work is scheduled to begin this month in the southeast corner of North Reading close to the Lynnfield town line.  The work will then continue north and west from this location until the entire town has been surveyed.  The entire survey will take approximately 3 months to complete.

Residents with questions about this project may contact the North Reading Water Department at (978) 357-5209.