As part of a pre-emptive program to address non-revenue water loss and understand the condition of their pipes, Gothenburg wanted to conduct a condition assessment and leak detection survey on a series of large diameter transmission mains. The three pipelines were built in the 1960s and made of cement and steel, ranging in size from 1000 mm to 1200 mm.

The assessment was urgent, as Flower Mound planned to widen a major road next to the main and wanted reliable information on the condition of that particular pipeline before the road was built. Any necessary repairs or replacement needed to be completed prior to construction to avoid significant disruption and additional expense.

Over the last few years, the operation and maintenance of the large valves had declined due to focus being placed on other critical priorities. Without a consistent exercise routine for critical valves, the utility found that many of these valves were inoperable and, as a result, began to seek funding for valve replacements.