Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a grant that will help Alabama’s rural water systems fix leaks that waste not only water, but also cost energy and revenue.
The Alabama Rural Water Association will use the $30,000 grant for a program that helps rural water systems identify leaks in underground water lines. Undetected water leaks account for thousands of dollars in lost revenue for water systems each year.
“The dry conditions in most of Alabama this summer and fall are a strong reminder of how precious our water supply is,” Bentley said. “This grant will help ensure that water is not lost due to leaks and will help rural water systems cut their annual energy costs.”
In 2012, the association anticipates completing surveys of at least 20 water systems to identify suspect sections of water lines and pinpoint the specific locations of leaks. Local water system operators are involved in each phase of the surveys so they can learn techniques for finding and repairing water leaks themselves. Repairing the leaks will reduce the workload on water pumps and reduce the amount of electricity required to transfer the water to residents, according to the association.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from the state oil overcharge fund which is supported with money awarded to Alabama in the 1980s as restitution from oil companies for violations of federal price controls.
Bentley notified Kathy Horne, executive director of the association, that the grant had been approved. The association has committed matching funds of $7,500 toward the program.
Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers