3/2/2026
1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
MOU WITH VIRGINIA TECH FOR COLLECTION AND COMPILATION OF WATER PIPELINE FIELD PERFORMANCE DATACity CouncilMarch 24, 2026Riverside Public Utilities RiversideCA.gov2
1. Virginia Tech is conducting a National Collection and Compilation of Water Pipeline Field Performance Data (PIPEiD) research project to track water loss in water utility systems2. Approximately 500 water utilities and 100 federal facilities participating3. Virginia Tech, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), California water agencies, and the California Department of Water Resources are working together in an effort to help utilities cost-effectively reduce water loss from source to tap4. RPU was invited to voluntarily participate in research effort requiring an MOU5. Share existing pipeline infrastructure dataa. No customer-identifiable datab. Data security and confidentialityBACKGROUND 3/2/2026
2 RiversideCA.gov3
1. Under proposed MOU, pipeline data will be shared with PIPEiD to be reviewed, standardized, and analyzed2. Data supports analysis of:a. Pipeline Conditionb. Distribution Performancec. Water Lossd. Quality Review of Participating Agencies3. Data supports national water loss modeling consistent with American Water Works Association and improves estimates for public water systemsDISCUSSION RiversideCA.gov4
4. At project conclusion, RPU receives free access to PIPEiD analytical tools and visual reports5. The ability to track performance trends and support long term planning with all final decisions remaining with RPU engineering6. Timelinea. Initial results: Within months of data submissionb. MOU term: Through December 31, 2028, with option to extend for updated analysesDISCUSSION CONTINUED 3/2/2026
3 RiversideCA.gov5
That the City Council authorize a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to participate in the Pipeline Infrastructure Database (PIPEiD) research projectRECOMMENDATION