Two CT communities determine their capital improvement

Wright-Pierce recently completed two master plan studies for the Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut for their Ridgefield and Simsbury systems. The goal of the master plan studies was to review the capacity by service area, develop a hydraulic model, and provide a report summarizing capital improvement needs for a 5, 10, 20, and 50-year planning horizon.

The adequacy and reliability of a water system is measured by the system’s ability to meet the expected demand variations under a variety of conditions. In smaller systems, needed fire flows typically expose the system’s weaknesses, while in larger systems, peak demands often dictate. A thorough understanding of the water system’s capabilities requires an understanding of current and projected demand extremes. This is usually performed by evaluating historical demand and population trends, and making projections for future water use using a variety of well established planning tools and resources.

In the case of Ridgefield and Simsbury systems, Wright-Pierce assessed existing and future water demand and estimated the margin of safety based on existing safe yield and potential interconnection possibilities with other utilities.

A physical evaluation of all components, equipment, and systems, associated with the sources, distribution storage and pumping facilities was completed. All critical and non-critical components were inspected, evaluated and assessed for their long-term reliability and ability to serve their intended purpose for the next 5, 10, 20 and 50-year planning periods. In addition, water supply sources, pumping stations and storage facilities were checked for compliance with standards of practice, codes and regulations.

The adequacy of existing water distribution systems in Ridgefield and Simsbury was measured by utilizing water distribution system hydraulic models. A water distribution hydraulic model was developed and calibrated for both systems to assess their ability to meet existing and future water demands, including ISO recommended fire flows.

The final comprehensive master plan for Ridgefield and Simsbury included descriptions of existing systems and operations, margin of safety estimates, calibrated water distribution hydraulic models, phased capital improvement programs with recommendations and cost estimates for the next 5, 10, 20 and 50-year planning periods.