(512) 751-5325Email Us
SAMCO Leak Detection Services
Water tank overflow demonstrating water loss
Project Results

Case Studies

Real projects. Measurable results. A track record built across Texas water systems since 1985.

SAMCO Case Studies: Delivering Results Through Experience and Expertise

SAMCO Leak Detection Services has partnered with a diverse range of water systems and organizations, including rural water systems, municipalities, MUDs and SUDs, universities, housing authorities, military bases, power plants, airports, commercial facilities, and fire protection systems across Texas and throughout the country.

Each case study highlights SAMCO's ability to provide accurate field data, identify water loss opportunities, and deliver actionable solutions that improve system efficiency, support infrastructure planning, and protect valuable water resources.

City of Splendora — The 51st Leak
Leak Detection
Splendora, Texas

Acoustic Leak Detection & Correlation Survey

City of Splendora — The 51st Leak

40k
Gal/Day Leak Located
57k
Gal/Day Saved After Repair
$165
Daily Savings

Challenge

Using the high-powered AQUASCAN TM2 Correlator with hydrophones, SAMCO pinpointed the location of the leak underneath the school's parking lot. Based on the correlation report, the excavation crew was able to dig and locate the source of the leak — a roughly 0.5 inch pinhole.

Result

The 51st leak located during the survey was a massive 40,000 gallon per day main line leak. Once correlated and repaired, the utility saved 57,000 gallons per day — or approximately $165 daily in water production costs.

In mid-October, weeks after SAMCO's survey, a city school reported water in a nearby drainage ditch despite a lack of rain. SAMCO was called out to investigate the suspected leak, which was thought to have been present for no longer than a week and a half.

City of Splendora · John Tucker, Crystal Clear SUD — Michael Saldana

Stonewall WCID — Hidden Loss Near the Pedernales River
Leak Detection
Gillespie County, Texas

Emergency Leak Detection Survey

Stonewall WCID — Hidden Loss Near the Pedernales River

3 days
Survey Scheduled
Hours
To Locate Hidden Leak
100%
Water Loss Resolved

Challenge

Pressure testing, check valve replacements, and master meter checks all failed to identify the source of continued loss. No visible sign of water loss was apparent despite ongoing field observation.

Result

SAMCO responded and scheduled a field survey within three days. Within hours, sounding equipment detected a leak near the Pedernales River. Excavation revealed a glue joint separation on a two-inch main inside a six-inch sleeve — water had been traveling underground to a pecan grove without ever surfacing. The survey also detected several smaller leaks and dead meters.

Stonewall Water Control and Improvement District experienced a tremendous water loss situation in December 2007. Daily pumping nearly doubled overnight. A leak on a two-inch water main was found and repaired, but pumping did not return to normal.

Stonewall Water Control and Improvement District · Patrick C. King, Principal — Professional General Management Services, Inc.

City of Kilgore — Four-Year Distribution Survey Program
Leak Detection
Kilgore, Texas

Multi-Year Leak Detection & GPS Asset Collection

City of Kilgore — Four-Year Distribution Survey Program

4 yrs
Annual Program
GPS
Valve Data Collected
3+ mo
Undetected Leak Stopped

Challenge

One leak had been running for an estimated three months or more in a heavily wooded area, draining into a small creek — invisible to standard surface observation.

Result

Through the SAMCO crew's diligence, the city stopped the water loss. In addition to locating hidden leaks, SAMCO collected GPS locations on all valves encountered during the project, providing valuable data for the city's GIS mapping system.

SAMCO worked with the City of Kilgore on a four-year leak detection project, dividing the city into quadrants with one quarter covered each year. Several leaks were found that had otherwise gone undetected.

City of Kilgore · David Hackley, Water Utilities Superintendent

Harris County WCID #133 — Annual Leak Detection Program
Leak Detection
Harris County, Texas

Ongoing Annual Leak Detection Survey

Harris County WCID #133 — Annual Leak Detection Program

Multi
Year Partnership
Annual
Renewal Program
Reduced
Water Loss & Costs

Challenge

Managing a distribution system requires consistent monitoring for subsurface leaks that standard operations cannot detect. The district needed a reliable annual program to maintain water accountability and reduce non-revenue water.

Result

SAMCO's annual program reduced costs and water losses while providing useful data for the district's operations and engineering consultants. The team's accuracy and responsiveness led the district to renew their contract annually.

Harris County WCID #133 has utilized the professional services of SAMCO for many years in their efforts to provide quality water services to their residences and commercial users.

Harris County WCID #133 · Rick Mann, General Manager

Client Feedback

What Our Clients Say

The SAMCO team is quick to diagnose a problem, and highly accurate with the findings. I trust them to provide us with accurate and actionable information. I highly recommend SAMCO Leak Detection Services for their expertise, whether for preventive, corrective, or emergency services.

Rick Mann

General Manager

Harris County WCID #133

The report that was provided to the City of Selma following the real water loss audit performed by your technicians has proven to be effective in reducing the amount of unaccounted water that we've seen in previous years.

Larry Verner, P.E.

City Engineer

City of Selma, Texas

We saved water and we saved money at the same time. We all have a responsibility to save water wherever we can, and by finding leaks, large or small, visible or invisible, it is the obligation of us all to find them and repair them. In our MUD, it made the difference in our accountability being of an acceptable standard.

Michael Murr

Owner

Murr Incorporated

Even with an 80-year old water system, I am always amazed at the number of leaks found that were entirely hidden from the surface. SAMCO's annual program has been particularly helpful in finding hidden leaks, which has significantly reduced the city's water losses.

Casey B. Sledge, P.E., AICP

Director of Public Works, City Engineer

City of Taylor

Their staff is extremely capable and professional and through their efforts have located many subsurface leaks in our water systems, thus enhancing our water accountability and reducing costs associated with water loss in the distribution system.

David Ripley

Area Coordinator

AquaAmerica Austin

The 8" fire sprinkler loop around our building had been leaking for several years. We called numerous service companies but none of them could locate our leak. We always got the 'blue smoke and mirror' treatment. Thanks again for a super job.

Ike Knight

General Manager

Lifoam Industries, LLC

The combination of our own internal programs with the SAMCO program makes a very effective 1-2 punch! Some of our Districts have signed extended annual contracts to help keep water conservation a major goal.

Gus Gustafson

MUD District Manager

Central Texas MUD Districts

Cost is very reasonable and is offset with savings from treatment and pumping costs and the ongoing loss of our precious water resources. This scenario demonstrates there will be situations where professional leak detection services are not only beneficial, but are necessary.

Patrick C. King

Principal

Professional General Management Services, Inc.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Contact SAMCO to discuss your system's needs and how our field services can support your next infrastructure project.

Submit an Application