Capital Improvement Plan (5 Year)
In addition to increases in the cost of day-to-day operations, consideration must be given to aging infrastructure and needed system improvements. Clifton Water District is rigorously working on developing a comprehensive plan that will determine long-term system improvements, as well as seeking funding opportunities for these projects. Here is a summary of critical capital projects that will need to be completed in the next 5 years:
This project is currently in the design phase. The scope of work includes the replacement of the electrical motor control centers that control the plant’s pumping into the system. The electrical system will be replaced with modern equipment that is more efficient. The scope of this project also includes updating the treatment plant controls and automation.
This project is for an additional water main river crossing under the pedestrian bridge near the 32 ½ Road alignment to C ½ Road. This project provides multiple benefits. Another river crossing creates redundancy for the single existing crossing at 32 Road. The existing water main at C ½ Road currently dead ends near the river. The crossing would also improve water quality in this area.
Approximately 6,000 meters need to be replaced and is planned for the next 3 years. The District is pursuing a grant that will assist in funding the project. In addition to the meter replacements, it is also planned to upgrade to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI enables the ability to read meters in real time, without the need to drive by properties for the latest meter read. This reading system will enable District staff to identify possible leaks and address them in a much quicker response time.
Project design is complete. The project scope is to install a new 16-inch transmission main from Hookless Boulevard to 1st Street in Whitewater. The new water main will provide multiple benefits for the distribution system in Whitewater. Clifton Water District’s goal is to increase capacity in this service area, primarily to increase fire flow capacity, but also to accommodate future demand from new development. This is the first step that will allow for the addition of more fire hydrants in Whitewater for better fire protection.
There are three 1-million-gallon storage tanks that need interior rehabilitation. Most of the project costs will be associated with a new coating of the interior. A new cathodic protection system that helps to minimize corrosion will also be needed. Each tank will also be evaluated structurally to determine if any foundation work will need to be completed.
Aging water mains throughout the distribution system need to be replaced each year. There is always an ongoing effort to replace the oldest water mains that date back to the late 1950’s. Many of these water main replacements are in conjunction with a city, county, or state road improvement project.