Ketchum Saves 50 Million Gallons of Water

KETCHUM, Idaho – The City of Ketchum has completed the first conversion phase of the antiquated, leaky Ketchum Springs Water System. The city is served by two water lines; the newer municipal system and the failing Ketchum Springs System.

This first phase abandoned 3,000 feet of old, substandard Ketchum Springs Water lines. Once the old system was turned off and water was flowing from the city’s municipal water system, measurements determined approximately 100 gallons of water per minute were being saved. This equates to a reduction of 50 million gallons of water per year and $6,000 in annual energy savings.

There are three phases to the project. Four miles of Ketchum Springs pipes are scheduled to be converted in the next two years.

“The water and energy savings from this first phase are remarkable,” said Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “Converting the Ketchum Springs Line is one of the most significant conservation projects undertaken by Ketchum,” he added. “The water and energy savings reduce our costs and furthers our commitment to preserving and protecting our natural resources.”

The Ketchum Springs System has pipes that are more than a half-century old and constructed from steel and wood pipes. The system is not metered, making it impossible to track individual water usage and leakage. It was originally a private water system that the city acquired in the 1980’s. The pipelines are very prone to breaks and leaks, which cause water interruptions for customers and considerable costs for repairs. When the entire project is completed, it is estimated Ketchum could reduce water production by 300 million gallons annually. This will reduce power demand costs by $36,000 annually.