Riverside Highland Water Company

The United States contains approximately one million miles of water infrastructure. Many water systems were initially constructed in the early to mid-1900s, and much of this plumbing now requires replacement. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given U.S. Municipal Water Infrastructure a concerning D grade nationally, noting: "An estimated 240,000 water main breaks occur annually in the United States, wasting over two trillion gallons of treated municipal water."

The 2017 Infrastructure Report Card indicates approximately $1 trillion is needed to maintain and expand systems to meet demands over the next 25 years. According to the American Water Works Association's 2017 State of the Industry Report, 63% of water industry respondents identified the renewal and replacement of aging water infrastructure as critically important, while 59% cited funding for capital improvements as the second most crucial issue.

Riverside Highland Water Company recognizes that capital improvement and aging facility replacement are essential to operating an effective water system. Since 1987, we've replaced over 36 miles of original water mains. This replacement program has dramatically reduced water main leaks from 139 in 1985 to an average of just 2 per year over the past decade, significantly conserving water resources.

"Unaccounted for water" represents the difference between water entering the system and water delivered to customers. All systems experience some water loss during normal operations through meter inaccuracies, theft, and hydrant flushing. The EPA's Office of Water recommends implementing water-loss management plans targeting the industry standard of 10% unaccounted water. In 1985, Riverside Highland Water Company's unaccounted water was 39%, but thanks to our Capital Improvement Program, we've maintained levels below 10% every year since 1992.

Despite our already low water loss rates, we continue taking steps to further reduce leakage. We're currently replacing polyethylene service lines between water mains and meters with copper piping, as these lines didn't meet manufacturers' promised lifespans. We're conducting these replacements street by street until completion.

Beyond main and service replacements, we've replaced one tank, constructed six new reservoirs, installed a new roof on another facility, drilled and equipped four new wells, replaced or built three booster stations, constructed a new office facility, and upgraded all water meters with automated systems.

Our 2018 Capital Improvement Program includes replacing water mains and service lines on Vivienda northwest of Van Buren and between Mavis and Michigan Street. We'll also replace additional service lines throughout the City, purchase and replace three chlorine pumps, and are considering drilling a new water well in the Colton area. For questions about our improvement plans, please contact General Manager Don Hough at (909)825-4128.

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