Arlington Water Utilities announced that its newest team member is a shelter‑adopted husky mix named Splash. The two‑year‑old dog, fitted with a blue utility vest, was trained at four months old to track the scent of chlorine from underground water leaks. By locating leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed for months or years, Splash helps the utility preserve the city’s most valuable resource – water.
How the program works
Director of Water Utilities Alex Whiteway explained that Splash’s work begins when he is fitted with a navy‑colored harness and sent to a suspected leak site. When the dog pinpoints the source, he sits on the ground, marking the spot for crews to repair. After each successful find, Splash receives a hot‑dog treat as a reward.
Every outing is logged with data such as pipe type, ambient temperature, wind speed and direction, and the difficulty of the detection. This information is compiled to refine the program and to demonstrate its effectiveness to other utility agencies, encouraging wider adoption of shelter‑dog detection teams.
From shelter to city ambassador
Whiteway, who previously oversaw a similar program at Mansfield Water Utilities, brought the concept to Arlington after transferring to the city. He said, “Blue gold is what I call it. It’s a valuable but scarce resource, and Splash sparks conversation about water conservation.” The dog has become a familiar face at city council meetings, homeowners’ association gatherings, schools and community events, serving as a living reminder of the importance of protecting water supplies.
Community impact and future plans
Beyond his technical role, Splash lives with Richard Everhart, the utility’s meter‑services manager, and Everhart’s three‑year‑old daughter, who affectionately claims “the pooch is under my command.” Everhart described the program as “one big happy family,” noting that the dog’s presence has boosted morale among staff and the public alike.
Whiteway hopes the success of Arlington’s program will inspire other municipalities to adopt shelter dogs for similar purposes. “What we’re doing is something new in the industry,” he said. “Hopefully they adopt them from shelters because it gives a shelter dog a job, a home, a purpose, everything.”
Why it matters to Arlington families
For families across Arlington, the program translates into fewer water‑related disruptions and lower utility bills. By detecting and repairing leaks quickly, the city reduces water waste and preserves the resource for future generations – a goal that aligns with the community’s values of stewardship and responsible resource management.
As Arlington continues to grow, the partnership between public utilities and compassionate animal rescue advocates demonstrates a practical, faith‑aligned approach to caring for both people and creation.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
