A leak refers to an opening in the distribution pipeline, valve, hydrant, appurtenance, or service connection that is continuously losing water; whereas a break means there is physical damage to a pipe valve, hydrant, or other appurtenance that results in an abrupt loss of water. 

This measure tracks the number of breaks that occur per 100 miles of distribution system piping. The City has 784 miles of distribution system piping. 

The target, established by the American Waterworks Association (AWWA) Utility Benchmarking 25th percentile for combined operations for the number of breaks per 100 miles of distribution pipe is 18.92 per year. 

It is important to note that as the AWWA updates their benchmarks, the target may fluctuate.  Any changes to the target will be in reference to those updates and noted accordingly.