Council approves purchase of 17 hydrant‑mounted sensors to detect leaks on critical mains

Brian Kadame of the engineering division outlined resolution 26‑0512 and said the city proposes buying 17 hydrant‑mounted pressure and acoustic sensors from Digital Water Solutions to monitor critical transmission mains and long river crossings where manual leak detection is ineffective. "public works is looking to purchase 17 pressure and acoustic sensors for what we're calling our critical main," Kadame said, explaining the devices replace the internal valve stem and sit in the water column to deliver longer acoustic range and clearer leak detection.

Kadame described a two‑area study: four sensors for a southwest transmission main area near a forest preserve and the remainder focused on a Fox Valley area that has experienced recent main breaks and pressure transients. He provided per‑unit and recurring cost estimates in the meeting—about $11,000 per sensor and approximately $1,200 per unit per year for analytics—and said the city will evaluate results before expanding deployment.