Municipal Water System Master Planning Case Study

WHO WE ARE

MCase Study Overview

- Project: Nyssa’s Water System Master Plan and Improvements
- Type: Water System Upgrade
- Location: Nyssa, Oregon
- Scope: Comprehensive update to the Water System Master Plan including system inventory, water rights, supply, demands, water quality, storage, fire protection, emergency planning, hydraulic modeling, and distribution system improvements.
- Role of HECO Engineers: Master planning, condition assessment, water system modeling, treatment design, reservoir restoration design, civil engineering, and survey.
- Outcome: Secured $8.5 million in funding, improved water quality, enhanced fire protection, increased system reliability, and reduced burden on the new treatment system.

Services Provided by HECO Engineers

- Civil Engineering
- Condition Assessment
- Survey
- Master Planning
- Treatment Design
- Reservoir Restoration Design
- Water System Modeling

Problem

Nyssa’s water supply faced several critical issues:

- Arsenic Contamination: The water supply did not meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards due to high arsenic levels.
- Manganese Presence: Manganese caused staining, clogging of small pipes, and other nuisance issues.
- Insufficient Fire Protection: The distribution system lacked adequate fire flow and fire access.
- Overburdened Treatment System: The existing system struggled with the demand, partly due to irrigated lawns using potable water.

Solution

HECO Engineers implemented a series of comprehensive solutions:

- Arsenic and Manganese Removal: Introduced an effective treatment system to eliminate contaminants.
- Upgraded Distribution System: Improved water circulation and added 10 new hydrants, replacing 28 old ones.
- Chlorination System: Installed an upgraded chlorination system.
- New System Controls and Storage Improvements: Enhanced system reliability and efficiency.
- Irrigation System Adjustment: Shifted five city blocks of irrigated lawn from the potable water system to irrigation water, reducing demand by approximately 700,000 gallons per week.
- Backflow Prevention Devices: Installed three devices to prevent potential cross-connections in critical areas.

Results

The project delivered significant improvements:

- Enhanced Water Quality: Removal of arsenic and manganese, improving overall water quality.
- Increased Fire Protection: Better fire flow and access, providing a reliable water supply for firefighters.
- Secured Funding: Obtained $8.5 million for the water system improvements.
- System Efficiency: Reduced the burden on the treatment system, ensuring better resource management.

Comprehensive Water System Upgrade for Nyssa

HECO Engineers played a pivotal role in updating and improving Nyssa’s water system. By addressing critical issues such as contamination and insufficient fire protection, HECO ensured a safer and more reliable water supply for the community. These efforts not only improved the quality of life for residents but also positioned Nyssa for future growth and development.

If you have a similar need or would like a free 30-minute review of your upcoming project, call or email HECO Engineers today.