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While it is impossible to determine when the drought in the Colorado River Basin will end and Lake Mead’s water levels will rise significantly, conservation and continued investment in the water distribution system help protect the community’s water supply and ensure reliable water service.
“We invest in the water system so that customers know when they turn on the tap, water comes out. We live in a city that operates 24-hours a day, and our economy and community rely on us to provide the water they need, when they need it,” said Janelle Boelter, Infrastructure Management Director at the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD).
The LVVWD’s water delivery system is rated among the country’s most efficient with main break rates many times lower than the national average. To keep water flowing to homes and businesses, the LVVWD continually evaluates the condition of its infrastructure, which is comprised of more than 7,000 miles of pipes; 82 reservoir tanks and basins able to store nearly a billion gallons; and enough pumps to move more than a million gallons of water per minute around the Las Vegas Valley.
Each component of the distribution system has its own service cycle, and LVVWD staff ensure the pipes, valves, meters and other parts are monitored, repaired and replaced, reducing unexpected water service outages.
“Just like people get regular health checkups or take their car for routine maintenance, we make sure every aspect of the water system is serviced on a schedule, and components are replaced when they reach their shelf life,” Boelter said. “Ensuring our water system is reliable isn’t just a convenience for residents and business owners, it also helps ensure this desert city we call home is economically successful as well.”
Investing in new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytic software play an important role in monitoring the water distribution system and scheduling maintenance and upgrades. The LVVWD uses acoustic leak detection devices to “listen” for water escaping the pipes and AI to analyze the data to help pinpoint trouble spots in its 300-square-mile service area.
“We have a small crew overseeing thousands of miles of pipe, so the technology helps us identify leaks, assess areas for vulnerabilities, and prioritize repairs,” said Chris Augustine, LVVWD senior maintenance engineer. “Replacing a segment of pipe before a major break occurs reduces water service disruption for our customers and lowers the cost of repairs.”
The LVVWD’s acoustic monitoring system detects the unique sound emitted by water escaping a pipeline. The sound wave velocity is determined through software that helps LVVWD locate the leak while also providing data to further support the required repairs. AI is used to differentiate the sound of a leak from ambient noise produced by traffic and pedestrians, ensuring repair crews efficiently respond and address subsurface leaks.
“We continually invest in new technologies like acoustic leak detection devices and AI systems so that our water delivery system continues to be one of the most reliable in the country,” Augustine said, noting that as technologies improve so does LVVWD’s ability to effectively maintain the water system.
“And with advancing technologies, we continue to drive down water loss due to leaks. That’s essential as we all work to conserve Southern Nevada’s water supply,” Augustine said.
For more information about the community’s water system, visit www.lvvwd.com
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.