The objective of this project is to test and evaluate innovative service line identification technology designed to help DoD installations locate and replace lead and copper pipes. The project aims to evaluate a non-invasive service line identification approach that could help DoD installations reduce or eliminate lead and copper in an installation’s drinking water supply. Testing will determine: (1) the technology’s accuracy rate; (2) operational and capital cost benefit comparable to current approaches; and (3) technology deployment and testing, or cycle time. Success will be determined by using the following metrics: (1) >80% accuracy in pipe material identification; (2) > 40% reduction in capital and operational costs; (3) >25% reduction in cycle time.

The project will evaluate the application of an acoustic technology, Solinas’ LeadFinder1000 to accurately determine water service line materials. Solinas’ LeadFinder1000 utilizes acoustic response data in the vicinity of the service line after imparting a single, or series of controlled sound signals onto the service line. The single point of contact on the service line, typically the curb box or water meter box exterior to the property owner, allows for a non-invasive method to simultaneously determine the pipe’s material composition and it’s position in the ground. No entry to the interior space is required. This method of service line identification provides water utilities with a simple, efficient, and effective solution, especially in environments that may have service lines with mixed materials, such as a short section of lead in between two copper sections on either the property owner’s line or contained within the utility service line.

Successful validation of Solinas’ LeadFinder1000 will provide a cost effective means to locate and replace lead and coper pipes compared to existing approaches. This technology is non-invasive, does not impact protective pipe scale, and does not require disruption of service. It reduces OPEX and/or CAPEX related expenses versus conventional methods such as potholing or excavation, both of which require expensive machinery and maintenance. This technology and approach has the ability to be broadly scalable across DoD installations for maintaining an accurate service line inventory. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)