ATLANTA, March 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Echologics, a developer and leading provider of acoustic-based technologies for water loss management, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment, has secured a one-year service agreement with Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD). The agreement enables LVVWD to readily utilize Echologics' leak detection and condition assessment services for one year with the option to renew the agreement for up to five years. LVVWD is a not-for-profit agency that provides water to more than one million people in Southern Nevada.
The agreement between LVVWD and Echologics is the result of a successful pipe condition assessment pilot project, completed in the fall of 2011. The pilot included non-invasive testing of a 6.5 mile span of 16-24" mortar lined steel cylinder pipe that runs underneath some of Las Vegas' most popular thoroughfares. Prior to the pilot project, LVVWD expected that it would have to replace the entire span of pipe; however, the acoustic survey found that only 15-20 percent of the pipes in the assessed area had lost a significant amount (more than 15 percent) of their original wall thickness to corrosion and other factors.
"Leaks and pipe deterioration have always been a significant concern for us, because they are responsible for losing treated water—a precious resource that we must conserve, especially since Southern Nevada is currently facing the worst drought on record," said Ryan Benner, Maintenance Engineer, Las Vegas Valley Water District. "Our proactive approach to mitigating leaks and assessing the structural condition of pipes in our water system will help us to continue improving water conservation without disturbing surrounding infrastructure."
"The Las Vegas Valley Water District understands the value of proactive, ongoing leak detection and pipe condition assessment as it relates to improving water conservation," said Marc Bracken, Vice President and General Manager for Echologics. "Fortunately, Echologics' leak detection and pipe condition assessment processes are based on acoustics and do not require excavation. Therefore, LVVWD will be able to help improve conservation and maintain its reputation as a utility that experiences some of the lowest levels of water loss in the United States by pinpointing leaks and assessing the condition of its water system without breaking ground."
Echologics is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of products and services that are used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of safe, clean drinking water, and in water treatment facilities. Echologics pioneered the development of a proprietary, acoustic-based system that non-invasively locates leaks and assesses the structural condition of both water and force mains. Water service providers across North America and in Europe, South Africa, Asia and Australia have leveraged Echologics' technology to prioritize pipeline rehabilitation and replacement plans, and reduce water loss on all classes of pipes, for diameters ranging from 4" to 108".
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
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the spending level for water and wastewater infrastructure;
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the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
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our ability to service our debt obligations; and
- the other factors that are described in the section entitled "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. We do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
About Echologics
Echologics is a manufacturing, service and marketing company dedicated to helping water utilities reduce water loss with subsequent benefits in monetary, environmental and health costs to the communities. Echologics is a leader in the development of water infrastructure diagnostic technologies for water loss management, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. Echologics, LLC is an affiliate of Echologics Engineering which was founded in 2003 and is based in Toronto. For more information about Echologics, visit www.echologics.com.
About Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Mueller Water Products, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities. Our broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters and ductile iron pipe, which are used by municipalities, as well as the residential and non-residential construction industries. The Company operates primarily through three segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MWA. For more information about Mueller Water Products, Inc., please visit our website at www.muellerwaterproducts.com.