MASTER PLANNING & MODELING
Town of Silverthorne
Silverthorne, CO
Silverthorne was a new community, housing people displaced by Dillon Reservoir. A water master plan was prepared – and has generally been followed for 30 years as the Town has developed. The plan involved three pressure zones, groundwater sources using multiple well locations, a strong distribution system with five storage tanks supporting the zones. We are currently designing a new pump station for two new wells that were drilled this summer. The pump station will incorporate the new drinking water standards and provide both UV and chlorine disinfection for the required “kill rate”.
City of Lafayette
Lafayette, CO
We have developed master plans for the City of Lafayette’s potable water distribution system and sanitary sewer system. These included computer modeling of the potable water distribution system using EPANET 2.0, a free, public domain water model program, and developing and Excel spreadsheet as a user-friendly, understandable format for the sanitary sewer system. Both of these projects involved preparation of graphic models using AutoCAD. Preparation of these graphics involved updating Lafayette’s database to accompany the computerized simulations. Concurrent to the existing system model, MWE has begun some conceptualized master planning for Lafayette’s sanitary sewer system, based on projected growth in Lafayette. The existing system model will be established in a manner that will accommodate growth within the City.
Lafayette used two major surface water sources. Treatment plant locations and capacities were incorporated in the Master Plan (total ultimate capacity 18 MGD). Three new storage tanks were also incorporated (one 4.0 MG prestressed concrete tank already constructed).
City of Aspen
Aspen, CO
McLaughlin Water Engineers has recently prepared a computer model of the City of Aspen’s Water Distribution Master Plan. The Master Plan is complex, with multiple pressure zones, supplies, pump stations, and storage tanks. MWE has evaluated the master plan and recommended improvements to accommodate future growth in the area. We also previously prepared partial “free body” master plans for two isolated pump pressure zones.
Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District
Lakewood, CO
Ronald McLaughlin has completed master plans for both the water and wastewater systems for the District. The District purchases water from Denver Water and returns all wastewater water flows to Denver Metro for treatment. The comprehensive master plans were prepared in 1979; Terry Kenyon has been responsible for periodical updating, as necessary to accommodate changing growth projections and inclusions to the District. Master planning included computer analysis of a water system consisting of 8 primary and reduced pressure zones, 9 storage reservoirs, 6 pumping stations and over 100 miles of water mains. The sewer system includes over 100 miles of sewer and two lift stations.
The hydraulic analysis had resulted in energy savings of more than $60,000 per year. It also reduced the existing 8 PRV stations feeding an area to 5 stations.
City of Gering
Gering, NE
Gering has an existing distribution system, which is supplied by three well fields. Arsenic and uranium levels are above EPA limits. McLaughlin assisted the City Engineer in preparing a supply master plan – resulting in the acquisition of a new well field. The plan also includes a new transmission pipeline, new tankage and pumping station, water treatment and extensive distribution modification needed to accommodate the new supply.
Lead-Deadwood
South Dakota
We had previously master planned and designed a new wastewater treatment plant and collection system for the Lead-Deadwood area. Homestake Mining Company had acquired water rights for both mining and domestic needs and built and operated an extensive water collection and distribution system to serve the towns of Lead, Deadwood, and Central City. The water system source springs and shallow ground water provided acceptable quality water for years. However, with the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Homestake was required to construct a complete water filtration plant. In 1990, Homestake retained McLaughlin personnel to formulate an overall water source plan. We proposed a non-potable industrial supply and a treated potable supply and recommended a location for a new plant. Another firm was retained for final design, but the contractor’s bid for the 4.0 MGD direct filtration plant was $6.3 million, which exceeded Homestake’s budget. With the high capital requirement, Homestake had considered divesting itself of the water system, either by selling it to a private company or to the Lead-Deadwood Sanitary District, which had performed in 1975 to develop a joint sanitary system. We then prepared a Feasibility Study which resulted in District acquisition.
The District reached an agreement with Homestake to take over water treatment responsibilities and determined that the plant should be redesigned. We were retained by the District and designed a plant constructed for 2.6 million, with $588,385 for transmission mains, tank meter station and controls. As part of the project the Master Plan of the “wholesale” water supply system was revised (each community retained its distribution system).
Village of Taos Ski Valley
Taos, NM
In 1970, McLaughlin Water Engineers were retained to determine the water source and design required treatment facilities. An excellent spring was located, and the collection system designed so as to obviate the need for filtration. Ronald and Jim McLaughlin developed a water system master plan (April, 2007) which features 3 storage tanks and 10 pressure zones.