Comprehensive Water System Planning: Eagle, ID Case Study
WHO WE ARE
Case Study Overview
- Project: Water Master Plan and System Upgrades
- Type: Municipal Water System Development
- Location: Eagle, Idaho
- Scope: Comprehensive water system planning, engineering design, fee analysis, and construction of critical infrastructure including wells, reservoirs, and system upgrades.
- Role of HECO Engineers: Provided full engineering services, from master planning and project design to construction management, ensuring a functional and efficient water system for the City of Eagle.
- Outcome: Established a fully operational municipal water system capable of meeting the current and future needs of Eagle, with surplus capacity for emergency use and fire protection.
Services Provided by HECO Engineers
- Civil Engineering
- Survey
- Preliminary Engineering
- Project Design
- Master Planning
- Project Management
- Construction Management
Problem
The City of Eagle lacked a fully developed municipal water system capable of supporting its growing population. The city needed a comprehensive plan to establish water infrastructure, including wells, reservoirs, and pipelines, as well as guidance on water rights acquisition and rate structures. Without an organized system in place, Eagle faced challenges in providing adequate water supply and fire protection to both existing and future developments.
Solution
HECO Engineers partnered with the City of Eagle to develop a water master plan that laid the foundation for a functional municipal water system. The project began with a thorough fee analysis to determine appropriate hook-up fees, water rates, and a storage and trunk line fee (STL) that would support the system financially. This allowed the city to approve two major developments totaling over 2,000 lots, each required to acquire water rights, develop large-capacity municipal wells, and build the necessary infrastructure.
HECO’s engineering services included the design and construction of two multi-pump artesian and deep wells, complete with pump houses, low flow pump stations, and standby power. The project also included the acquisition of water rights, which were secured following a court challenge with the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), even though the area was under a water moratorium.
HECO further assisted the city in obtaining judicial confirmation for a $2 million reservoir, an additional well and well house, system-wide chlorination, and a SCADA system for remote monitoring and control. These upgrades provided the city with the capacity to meet current water demands, offer fire protection, and maintain a surplus of emergency capacity that could be sold to neighboring water providers.
Results
The Water Master Plan and System Upgrades project was a success, transforming Eagle’s water infrastructure into a robust, efficient system capable of serving the city’s growing population. The new wells, reservoirs, and system upgrades ensure a reliable water supply and fire protection for residents. Additionally, the surplus capacity created by the project allowed the city to sell emergency water to neighboring water purveyors, generating additional revenue. HECO Engineers’ work enabled Eagle to move forward with confidence, securing water rights and establishing a long-term solution for the city’s water needs.
Building a Sustainable Water System for Eagle’s Growth
HECO Engineers played a pivotal role in shaping the City of Eagle’s water infrastructure, from planning and design to construction and management. Their expertise provided Eagle with a modern and functional water system capable of supporting future growth while ensuring reliable service to residents.
If your community is facing water system challenges or expansion needs, contact HECO Engineers today for a free 30-minute consultation.
