Playing in the ‘Big Leaks’

Rockdale has begun getting rid of its notorious “red water.”

Yes we’ve heard that before, but this time is different.

Pipe “sleuths” with SAMCO Leak Detection Services are already out and about within the city limits finding and logging leaks in Rockdale’s antiquated and failing water system.

Former City Manager Chris Whittaker had noted up to 40 percent of the city’s water is lost due to leaks.

“This will allow the city to identify specific locations of leaks in the system,” City Manager Barbara Holly said.

She said the survey will prioritize replacement by type of pipe, severity of leaks, prior service calls and other criteria.

STARTUP—The survey marks the formal start of a $27.4-million first phase of a water-sewer renovation project.

The first phase was secured with financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board through Certificates of Obligation.

“While Rockdale did increase water rates in March, 2019, payments for the certificates and upcoming work have been included in the proposed fiscal year 2020-21 budget.

She said the $27.4-milli0n will also upgrade the existing sewer plant.

WORKERS—Holly said in order to be easily identified, SAMCO employees will be in uniform with safety vests and wearing personal protective equipment.

“City officials ask that you beware of the additional workers in our neighborhoods and take precautions as they work in our city streets,” she said.

She said SAMCO employees will use GPS devices to accurately identify locations of the leaks.

Holly noted city engineers have identified 118,000 linear feet of cast iron pipe, which is a “significant source of Rockdale’s red water”

The current project will replace about 100,000 linear feet of the aging pipe, according to Holly.

“Thanks for your patience and cooperation as we move forward in our pursuit of excellence for our water and sewer systems,” Holly said.

Holly told The Reporter the next project in the massive system renovation— about $12.7-million—will be to rebuild Rockdale’s aging water treatment plant.

Holly said it is her professional recommendation that when the city reaches $60-million in overall city debt that it “hold off incurring any more debt until some of it gets paid off.”

“Red water” has plagued city residents for more than 50 years and has consistently ranked as Rockdale’s No. 1-listed problem in surveys.