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The Challenge

Allen County Water District has experienced significant growth in the last five years. Although ACWD had been proactive in implementing growth-based projects, Bluegrass conducted “stress tests” within the HWY 101 service area to verify the hydraulic model results that showed that a planned residential development would cause a loss in the level of service. Bluegrass determined that a new feed to HWY 101 would help eliminate the loss in the level of service by providing a secondary feed.

The Solution & Result

Bluegrass utilized the hydraulic model to mirror SCADA data regarding tank fill/ empty cycles, pump run times, pressure recordings and as a planning tool to mimic growth in areas of concern (smaller diameter distribution lines, lower ranges of pressures, etc.). These applications of the model allowed for identification of current system assets that needed to be improved for a continued level of service and the impact of potential improvements.

ACWD was able to secure funding via a Kentucky State Line Item Grant to fully fund the project. The project will install approximately 5 miles of 8-inch water main to provide a second feed to HWY 101. The existing distribution system was smaller diameter, 4-inch and 3-inch water mains that were restricting pressures during high usage flows.

This project will allow ACWD to maintain their level of service for an ever evolving customer base. The project will allow ACWD to meet future growth while improving pressure stabilization of the HWY 101 Service Area.

Key Features

  • Hydraulic modeling and stress testing using SCADA data validated system performance and identified service risks under future growth scenarios.

  • Secondary feed infrastructure planning provided a redundant water supply to the HWY 101 service area, eliminating projected loss of service.

  • Pressure and capacity optimization addressed undersized distribution lines that were restricting flow during peak usage periods.

Project Relevance & Impact

  • Improve potable water delivery

  • Model utilized as Operational Improvements

  • Serves varied end users (Rural, Industrial, & Commercial)

  • Improve pressures through hydraulic improvements of the distribution system