The Knox County Water and Wastewater Department has been working on reduction of water loss through the system caused by broken connections and root intrusion into pipelines, the Board of Commissioners was told during its May 19 meeting.
"Up to the Harbor View and the Northridge collection system, we have found, identified, and repaired five connections. They were actually broke completely off, so there's going to be a significant amount of water that we've taken out of that system," said Jeff Pickrell, superintendent of the Water and Wastewater Department, according to a video recording of the meeting.
According to the video recording, Pickrell said the Pleasant Valley Acres gravity line repairs were put on hold because some issues needed to be addressed on the line. He said roots had already been found in the system and it was taking in groundwater. Water loss remains in the 50% range so far in May during production of approximately 600,000 gallons a day before peak season usage in Apple Valley.
Pickrell also said it will be "all hands on deck" as workers need to walk the entire area to find sources of water loss. Workers will check every water meter due to possible damage from winter conditions. Any meter with continuous consumption for 24 hours or more is flagged for inspection. However, if water loss occurs before reaching a meter, it may not be detected.
For the Pleasant Valley Acres gravity line, Pickrell said a camera was used but could not get through some areas due to root structure. Once repairs are made where root intrusion is found, further checks will be conducted for additional problems. The department aims to avoid treating clear groundwater entering through these intrusions and hopes to locate any sump pumps contributing to excess flow.
According to the video recording, plant workers cleaned all digesters thoroughly for the first time in years. Pickrell said all grit, sand, gravel and other debris were removed from the system.
