ATLANTA, Oct. 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Echologics, a developer and leading provider of acoustic-based technologies for water loss management, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment, secured a 3-year master services agreement with United Water. The agreement enables any operating division of United Water to readily utilize Echologics leak detection and condition assessment services. United Water is one of the nation's leading water and wastewater utilities, supplying services to approximately seven million people in the continental United States.
The agreement between United Water and Echologics is the result of a successful transmission main leak detection pilot project, completed in the fall of 2010. The pilot included testing of approximately five miles of water mains, including large diameter reinforced concrete pipe, pre-stressed cylinder concrete, and cast-iron pipe for United Water New Jersey (UWNJ), a subsidiary of United Water. During the survey, Echologics non-invasively located a major leak on a river crossing, which was discovered on a 42" inch CIP water main, with an estimated loss of 100,000 gallons per day, and was isolated without breaking ground or disrupting service. As a result of the survey, UWNJ was able to quickly repair the leak, avoiding potential catastrophic failure.
"Leaks and aging water pipes present significant challenges to water service providers around the world," said Antonio Vicente, Operations Engineer for United Water New Jersey. "By partnering with Echologics, United Water can take a proactive, efficient approach to mitigating water leaks and assessing the structural condition of pipes, before service is compromised. Using advanced technology to address these items head-on is critical for United Water to continue fulfilling its primary objective, which is to provide its customers with the highest quality drinking water. Also, at United Water, the environment is at the heart of our business, and locating and repairing leaks conforms to our commitment to environmental excellence."
"United Water recognizes the value of accurate and non-invasive leak detection," said Marc Bracken, Vice President and General Manager for Echologics. "Because our leak detection and pipe condition assessment processes do not interrupt service or require excavation, United Water should realize operational benefits and improved overall efficiency in its water systems."
Echologics is part of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution 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:
- the spending level for water and wastewater infrastructure;
- the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
- 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 and in Part I, Item 1A of our Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.
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 United Water
United Water is one of the nation's leading environmental companies, providing water and wastewater services to approximately seven million people in the United States. In addition to owning and operating 20 water utilities, the company operates more than 200 municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems through innovative public-private partnerships and contract agreements. United Water's affiliate, Utility Service Company, is the nation's leading provider of long-term asset management contracts for water storage facilities with municipal and industrial clients. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT.
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 and distribution 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. Net sales for the year ended June 30, 2011 were $1.3 billion and total employees were approximately 4,800 at June 30, 2011. 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.