Underground leaks in the water supply system occur as a
result of aging and fatigued pipes, defective plumbing material, ground
movement, or corrosion. Leaks are discovered by the presence of wet
spots on the street surface, or water flowing from a meter box or down
a gutter. It is not uncommon to see the water leak repair crew digging
up the street, and the area occupied with heavy equipment, cones, and
signs.
Before excavation by repair crew begins, the work site
is marked for utility identification, to prevent accidental damage to
underground utilities. California Code 4216 requires anyone excavating
to inform a regional notification center known as Underground Service
Alert (USA), 1-800-227-2600. USA is a simple, free, notification
service for professional contractors, excavators and homeowners who are
planning a digging, blasting, trenching, drilling or other underground
excavation projects. The street surface is then removed, and excavation
is completed to expose the water main and/or water service line.
Often, repairs can be completed without disruption of
water service to neighboring homes. Sometimes, however, entire sections
of water main must be temporarily shut down in order to complete a
repair.
After the broken water line is replaced and water
service is restored, the street and sidewalk are repaired to original
specifications.
In 1998 there were 171 water leaks, that equates to one
water leak every two days. Because of the frequency of water leaks,
repair crews are kept very busy making repairs throughout the City. The
Water Services Division relies on the public to report sightings of
water coming up from beneath the street or water flowing down the
gutter to maximize water conservation.
Responsibility for the repair of water leaks depends
upon the location of the leak. Typically, the City is responsible for
leaks that occur between the water main and the meter or meter box
located near the sidewalk or curb. Water leaks that occur between this
point and the residence or business are the responsibility of the
property owner. For confirmation of repair responsibility, call Public
Works for assistance.
To report a water leak, call:
Monday through Friday 7 AM to 5 PM - 707-588-3300
After hours, weekends, and holidays - 707-584-2600
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Special and Regular Concurrent Meetings Minutes - August 12, 2008
Housing Element Summit - Saturday, September 27, 2008
Planning Commission Agenda - 8-28-08
