Our groundwater development services include:

• Hydrogeologic investigations
• Detailed site evaluations
• Aquifer testing and groundwater modeling
• Well construction oversight (reverse circulation, air rotary, cable tool drilling)

Proper well development, casing selection, and alignment are carefully managed to ensure high-performance results that last.

Water Treatment Facility Design

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve and new contaminants are identified, municipalities face increasing pressure to deliver safe, high-quality water. HECO Engineers designs and upgrades treatment systems to meet these challenges, integrating technologies that address both health-related and aesthetic concerns.

We implement solutions for contaminants such as arsenic or phosphorus using ion exchange, reverse osmosis, chemical precipitation, and adsorptive media, chosen based on the raw water source’s unique characteristics. Pretreatment steps like oxidation enhance system efficiency, while secondary treatments address taste, odor, and color issues using aeration, activated carbon filtration, and optimized chlorination.

Our experience in Water Treatment Facility Design demonstrates our ability to tailor solutions specifically to municipal needs, ensuring public confidence and compliance with safety standards.

Pilot Testing and Treatability Studies

To mitigate risk and fine-tune treatment strategies, HECO often conducts treatability studies and pilot testing before full-scale implementation. These studies help us understand contaminant behaviors and the performance of various treatment methods under real-world conditions.

Using mobile pilot treatment units, we simulate system performance on-site, capturing real-time data that informs final system design. For instance, our recent pilot testing project in Woodbury identified optimal technologies for PFAS removal, validating performance, optimizing costs, and reducing implementation risks.

Modeling and System Optimization Modern

Water systems require dynamic solutions. HECO Engineers uses advanced modeling tools like EPANET to simulate and analyze system behavior across various conditions, enabling proactive adjustments and operational efficiencies.

Modeling Services:

• Hydraulic modeling to evaluate flow and pressure
• Water quality modeling for disinfection practices and system flushing strategies
• Integration of SCADA data for real-time operational insights

These advanced modeling capabilities have helped utilities avoid unnecessary infrastructure investments while maintaining high water quality standards.

Distribution System Design

An efficient distribution network is essential for consistent delivery of clean water. HECO Engineers develops systems that maintain optimal pressure, prevent water stagnation, and support firefighting needs.

Our approach includes:

• Looped configurations (gridiron and ring systems) for redundancy and improved flow
• Upgrades to legacy tree-like systems to enhance circulation
• Fire flow calculations using NFPA and AWWA standards

Notable projects, such as the Marin Headlands Water Line Replacement, showcase our capability to design robust distribution systems tailored to community requirements.