Journal Reporter

The Des Plaines City Council last night was expected to approve a $64,600 purchase of equipment designed to reduce leaks in local water mains and service lines.

According to Public Works Director Matt Duskett, the city losses more than $1,000 worth of water each day. The water is lost mainly through leaks in underground water lines. This new system is intended to reduce that.

The digital equipment is expected to help the Public Works Dept. find underground leaks that have been draining city water for years.

The city is scheduled to purchase the equipment from Fluid Conservation Systems, Inc of Milford, Ohio for $64,600. Niles, Arlington Hts., Morton Grove, Skokie and Evanston use the same system.

The city's 2005 budget includes funds for the water detection system.

There was no competitive bidding for this project since the company is "a sole source and provider for their equipment and [they] sell directly to the end user," said city officials.

Other water loss occurs because of theft and faulty water meters. The main water treatment plant in Des Plaines is located at 2555 Maple St. near Touhy Avenue. About six employees work there. They receive water from Chicago, treat it with chemicals and then pump it out. Des Plaines pumps a total of seven to nine million gallons of water a day.

A second unmanned water treatment plant is located on Central Road to serve the north-end of town. Des Plaines also has five water towers.