Not sure, IANAL. But for this type of problem (leaking pipe) you'd want metrics on flow and volume on your in, out and transit (or whatever the fluid equivalent

Not sure, IANAL. But for this type of problem (leaking pipe) you'd want metrics on flow and volume on your in, out and transit (or whatever the fluid equivalent is) connections. I don't know how it's currently done in the USA, but I would have expected utilities to be governed in a way that makes sure they are the first to know when there is a problem and have access to information to solve it. If, for example, you'd see a drop in pressure that doesn't match a trend, or an increased flow, or one of your sensors simply has more data to report, regardless of what data it is, then you know a problem exists. Simply having a tank somewhere and measuring what is in it doesn't even scratch the bare minimum for such an important thing. Here, we have had a few different methods over the last century, like government-only, public-private combinations with single-vendor tenders, and multiple private companies in different zones to ensure diversity to prevent monoculture problems. But in all of those instances of drinking water governance the rules were for the public/government to decide are always enforced. Those rules are (simplified, there are about 70 super-specific main articles in the law just about residential drinking water): - definition of what drinking water is (contents, usage) - definition of what a utility has to do - definition of how you make drinking water - definition of how you transport it - definition of how to measure it - definition of continuity guarantees - definition of governing structure of a water company - definition of task exclusion and production scope - rules regarding public health - rules regarding enforcement of the definitions - rules regarding other rules affecting the water company, supply, demand, transportation - rules regarding other rules affecting this ruling The ones that would specifically prevent this are the rules about the governance model, measurement and continuity. They make sure a water utility company has to know what its water is, where it is, when it is, and all of that for the past, present and future. And if you can't follow the rules, you cannot be a water company. By law, those companies are also required to maintain and connect all residents in their zone, which means residents have a guaranteed water supplier.