One of the most important jobs we perform for a community is to help plan for an adequate future supply of potable water. In general, there are four steps to our process:

1. Measure current supply and demand and forecast future demand What are population growth rates, peak periods, proportionate use by residential, commercial, institutional customers? Expectations for economic development?

2. Determine how and from what source(s) future supply needs will be met. Is current supply adequate? What and where are alternative water sources?

3. Assess transmission and distribution requirements. How will we get water to the community and distribute it once we get it there?

4. Estimate costs to provide required service. Considering the above information, how much will it cost to meet the community's future needs? Where will funding be obtained?

Clearly, these data are extensive and we use all available historical and planning resources to gather, process, verify and organize plan information. Generally, our work considers current, 10-year and 20-year horizons and benefits our clients by ensuring they have an accurate and actionable map for their future.

Growing A System in Stages

This detailed analysis and Master Plan for the City of Fayetteville was based on a hydraulic model MWY completed in 1989. It took into account existing and projected conditions, preliminary design and cost estimates for needed facilities, operation and maintenance evaluation, potential financing choices and a plan of action.

In 1994, based on the study and plan, the city added 10 miles of 42-inch water main and two miles of 36-inch water main. MWY included those improvements in a 1996 plan update and also recommended the acquisition of the White River System as well as the following, recently completed improvements to that system: a 750,000-gallon elevated storage tank, an 18-inch water line and a booster pump station.

Modeling for Effective Improvements

MWY completed hydraulic models of a small section of Springdale's water system in 1993 and updated it with the city's acquisition of the White River System in 1997. We subsequently completed a comprehensive model of the city's entire water system and developed a detailed Water System Master Plan.

Long-range designs based on the plan included distribution improvements, storage system recommendations and pump station modifications.

In 1999, MWY completed an additional study related to the city's Fitzgerald Mountain water storage facility. Based on that analysis, the city added a 10 MG storage tank along with associated 48-inch and 36-inch mains.

Studies Identify Immediate Needs

Early on, this 1989 study revealed the immediate nature of needed improvements to the Batesville water treatment plant, allowing the MWY staff to quickly begin predesign efforts, including analytical studies and pilot testing. The plant's capacity was subsequently increased to 12 MGD and upgraded to meet SDWA standards. Additional upgrades included the construction of two storage tanks (with a total capacity of 2 MG) booster stations and an improved pressure plane.

In 1997, MWY completed an updated water and sewer master plan, which recommended new chemical-feed facilities, raw water pumping modifications and 5.5 MG of additional storage. Many of those improvements have been completed, including a 0.5 MG clearwell and associated distribution lines.