Following an AWWA water audit that showed significant water losses in the Camden water distribution system, the City of Camden assigned CIA to a team to address this issue and comply with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) rules and the Water and Wastewater Financing Board requirements.

CIA prepared an engineering report outlining the project alternatives and recommended installation of automated meter reading (AMR) water meters and a leak detection system. The report detailed the costs involved in the selected approach. CIA helped obtain State Revolving Loan Fund financing for the AMR and leak detection system, currently under construction. When completed, the project will result in several measurable benefits, including reduced time and labor, improved accuracy, lower maintenance costs by early leak detection, energy and water savings, and reduction in major leak repairs in rights of way.

It is anticipated that the annual benefits of the selected project approach will outweigh the annual costs within one year of installation and that the project will completely pay for itself in less than 15 years. In addition, a performance contract will provide for the city’s compliance with water loss rules for the life of the contract.