According to Commissioner Al Wiggins of the Department of Watershed Management, Atlanta is implementing two measures to avoid a repeat of a water crisis.
Currently, a team of workers is in the process of installing over 20 leak detection devices on valves located in Midtown, with a few more to be installed in Vine City.
According to Wiggins, the devices are capable of detecting leaks and utilizing AI to measure the magnitude of the leak. As per Wiggins, the program will start gathering data next week, which can eventually be utilized to anticipate and avert water line ruptures.
According to Wiggins, there will be an increase in water main breaks. However, he remains optimistic and believes that the installation of new devices has made the city more equipped to handle such situations.
According to Wiggins, the installation of detectors will be expanded in other areas of the city if the test program proves to be successful.
Jeremy Melton expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the new measures, stating, “Although they are still in their nascent stages, I believe they can definitely help reduce the losses we have experienced in recent days.”
HVH Plumbing, led by Melton and his team, meticulously records and analyzes water pressure and flow throughout the city. With two decades of experience in the industry, Melton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the task.
According to Melton, there is a pressing need to replace the deteriorating old pipes.
The process of making necessary changes involves the collaboration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA in creating a list of required modifications. Subsequently, a panel of three experts will implement these recommendations.
Former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kilpatrick, and Retired Major General Ron Johnson make up the panel.
Franklin boasts an extensive background in leadership.
According to a spokesperson from the Mayor’s Office, Kilpatrick possesses an engineering background and is well-versed in water-related matters. On the other hand, Johnson is a professor and the future Chief of Staff to the President at Georgia Tech. He previously held the position of Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, making him the second-highest ranking senior engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
