Work to detect unseen leaks in Hillsborough’s water distribution system is expected to start July 20 and continue through the end of August.

The Raleigh-based firm McKim & Creed will perform the work, which will include water mains and the public portion of the water service lines to meters. Private lines between meters and buildings will not be included.

“Utilities consistently struggle to minimize non-revenue water losses. Annual leak detection greatly assists in finding and fixing underground leakage from our aged water system that helps preserve treated water for customer uses especially in times of drought,” Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz said.

About two to three employees from McKim & Creed will conduct the work on water mains in and outside of town limits. They will wear apparel and safety vests and drive trucks with McKim & Creed branding. At times, the crews will work within the town’s utility easements, which may be between or behind homes and businesses. They often will access meter boxes.

To pinpoint unseen water leaks, crews will connect listening devices or loggers to hydrants, meter boxes, valve boxes or other system features and will listen for a few minutes for leak indications. The work is non-invasive and temporary and will not change the function of meters accessed.

Temporary blue paint markings or flags may be placed around identified leaks to indicate locations where town crews will need to make repairs at a later date. The repair work will involve excavation.

For everyone’s safety, please stay alert for work crews. In addition, please allow crews to conduct their work unimpeded and please leave flags and marks in place.