Kansas City, Missouri, is making strides in reducing non-revenue water loss through a successful collaboration with California-based technology firm Orbis Intelligent Systems. Since the partnership began in September 2022, the installation of 150 Orbis SmartCap telemetry leak detection devices on fire hydrants has already uncovered over 30 leaks in the city's extensive water network, which spans 2,300 miles and serves more than 450,000 residents.
The municipality's water infrastructure consists of legacy pipes installed in busy commercial and residential areas, where leaks can range from minor service line issues to significant breaks in distribution mains. These leaks can cause visible disruptions in roads and sidewalks, prompting Kansas City Water to seek a more effective, data-driven approach to leak detection.
Kansas City Water technicians identified a need for a robust and adaptable system that utilizes existing urban infrastructure. Traditional technologies often struggled to meet Missouri's variable weather conditions and the demands of technicians needing to relocate equipment quickly. The goal was to shift from reactive to proactive decision-making by integrating smart water technologies into drinking water systems.
The Orbis SmartCap, designed to transform any fire hydrant—wet or dry barrel—into a smart-enabled asset, was selected for this initiative. The device is easy to install, requiring only the replacement of the pumper nozzle cap. Once in place, it emits secure wireless signals to the cloud, utilizing algorithms that allow the SmartCap sensors to interact with one another. Equipped with GPS, the SmartCaps provide precise leak locations, complete with time-stamped acoustic data.
Kansas City Water has deployed SmartCaps strategically in both the busy Plaza area and residential neighborhoods. Technicians trained on the Orbis cloud-based Streamline portal can monitor alerts for potential leaks and use the distance information provided by the portal to pinpoint exact locations quickly. According to James Binkley, manager for meter field services, the ease of deployment and pinpoint accuracy of the SmartCaps have greatly enhanced their leak detection efforts.
This remote monitoring capability eliminates the need for labor-intensive onsite leak detection, significantly reducing response times. The cost savings extend beyond immediate leak detection; by preventing water losses and mitigating the risks associated with major infrastructure damage, Kansas City Water can avoid costly legal claims stemming from water main breaks.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineering, drinking water systems in the U.S. lose at least six billion gallons daily, with a water main break occurring every two minutes. In 2021, an estimated $7.6 billion worth of treated water was lost due to leaks. Kansas City Water has noted that some potable water leaking from mains can infiltrate the sewer system, increasing costs at the wastewater treatment plant.
As the partnership progresses, Kansas City Water has placed a second order for additional SmartCaps in September 2023, anticipating further improvements in leak detection efficiency. Nicholas Wolf, utility superintendent for leakage investigations, emphasized the advantages of the Streamline portal in differentiating between high water usage and line breaks, allowing for timely responses.
Orbis provides ongoing technical support and training for Kansas City Water, ensuring the effective use of the Streamline portal as new software developments arise. With the successful implementation of SmartCaps, the municipality is poised to expand their usage as results from the second order are evaluated, further enhancing the city’s water management capabilities.
