HVWP Water Distribution and Storage Improvement Project

Background

Hooksett Village Water Precinct (HVWP) Phase I Water Distribution and Storage Improvement Project is the first of three major drinking water components of the RTIA Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District economic development initiative sponsored by the Town of Hooksett. The project consisted of the construction of 1,800 linear feet of distribution system improvements in the Vista Drive area, a new 0.40 million gallon capacity glass-fused-to-steel tank, and 350 linear feet of associated transmission main from Daniel Webster Highway to Main Street.

The Precinct has been partnering with the Town, Sewer Commission, local businesses, committees, residents and area developers to encourage TIF-based infrastructure projects. TIF can be used to fund improvements that benefit the whole community by attracting new development, revitalizing blight, and/or enacting quality of life projects. This can significantly expand the tax base and provide more or easier access to services for residents with less financial impact.

Project Details

Hydraulic modeling studies completed in 2020 as part of the Precinct’s asset management program showed that distribution improvements were needed in the Vista Drive area to relieve a bottleneck that was critically restricting flow from the existing Quarry Tank and nearby wells. The Vista Drive area water main replacement/extension was listed as a Top Priority in the Precinct’s March 2021 Asset Management Plan Update. This area is the closest and primary source of water and fire protection for the TIF District, and a direct connection to the area is imperative to efficiently transmit water to the TIF District.

The Thompson Comer Tank is critical to water system hydraulics, not only for fire flow purposes but also for redundancy, emergency resiliency, and operational flexibility. It is inextricably linked to the operation of the Quarry Tank and the TIF District. Unfortunately, it had deteriorated to the point where it needed replacement. The new, slightly larger capacity replacement tank allowed the Quarry Tank to be taken offline as needed for O&M or emergencies; provide backup storage for the TIF district; allow the Quarry Tank to operate at 100% capacity; and improve overall energy efficiency by increasing off-peak operations. 

water storage tankReplacement of the existing Thompson Corner Tank also served as the permanent action plan to address a Significant Deficiency outlined by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) in October 2020. The deficiency identified was severe deterioration of the coating on the inside and outside of the tank. NHDES required that funding be authorized by March 2022 and a tank construction contract be awarded by October 2022.

The cost to replace the Thompson Corner tank and install the Vista Drive area water main and associated transmission main was $2,464,000 and was funded by 2021-22 NH Drinking Water & Groundwater Trust Fund (DWGTF) and NHDES American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. 

And the Winner Is…

Each fall, the Granite State Rural Water Association holds a drinking water taste test at its Annual Operator Field Day and Exhibit. In fall 2024, just after the completion of the project, HVWP had the honor of winning the contest! We are very proud of the collaboration and efforts of both HVWP and the Tata & Howard team for the incredible success of our partnership. 

Maine Water – Hydraulic Modeling & Fire Flow Analysis

Tata & Howard completed the Water Distribution System Comprehensive System Facility Plan for the Maine Water Company – Biddeford/Saco Division in 2013. This plan included updating and verifying the system’s hydraulic model and was utilized to develop distribution system recommendations for existing and future demand conditions.  Prioritized recommendations were developed for future implementation. The recommendations included distribution system operation and maintenance practices and water main improvements to strengthen transmission capabilities, promote looping and mitigate fire flow deficiencies.

Based on Tata & Howard’s knowledge and experience with the Maine Water hydraulic model, and the regional increase in residential development, T&H has recently been retained to provide hydraulic modeling and fire flow analysis for several proposed subdivisions or areas of critical concern including:

  • Sumter Landing – Old Orchard Beach, ME
  • West Saco Development – Saco, ME
  • Portland Avenue – Old Orchard Beach, ME
  • Breakwater Retirement Community – Rockland, ME

Another task requested by Maine Water was identified based on historic concerns for fire flows in the system’s low service area in Biddeford, ME.  Tata & Howard produced model iterations to identify the most appropriate location for a pressure reducing valve (PRV) vault from the high service area to allow additional flow in case of a fire.  Several locations were identified and modeled with the Pike Street boundary location determined to be the most appropriate from a constructability standpoint.  Subsequently, Maine Water negotiated a design contract to prepare bid documents for the PRV structure and appurtenances.

Finally, due to historic water quality concerns in the Pine Point area of Saco, ME, Maine Water retained Tata & Howard to run an Extended Period Simulation (EPS) for the Pine Point service area, and in particular, the Pine Point Storage Tank.  During low demands in the off-season (winter) months, the Pine Point tank SCADA historically had indicated no changes in level.  The EPS was developed using systemwide data and historic demands.  Alternatives were evaluated including transmission line modifications/replacements, taking the tank off-line during the off-season, and evaluating a booster pump station to force cycling of the tank.  Based on the results as well as factoring in operation and maintenance costs associated with the alternatives, design of a booster pump station was recommended.

 

UMASS Amherst Hydraulic Modeling

Tata & Howard developed an extensive hydraulic model of the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst campus. The model was verified under steady state and an extended period simulation (EPS) was completed. Tata & Howard conducted a hydraulic review and criticality assessment and used the results to make improvement recommendations. Tata & Howard also identified water distribution system sustainability projects for the irrigation, cooling tower makeup, and toilet flushing water.

This project included a supplemental water supply system analysis. Potential ground and surface water sources on campus, including existing and potentially new stormwater retention ponds, were evaluated for process and irrigation water. In addition, Tata & Howard created a hydraulic model of the UMass reclaimed water system.

The study also examined the effects that the proposed system improvements and interconnections would have on water quality.

Wiscasset Completes Capital Efficiency Plan™ Infrastructure Improvements

The Wiscasset Water District (WWD) completed its final phase of water main replacements for the Town of Wiscasset, ME. In 2007, Wiscasset, a rural coastal town in Maine, embarked on a long-awaited infrastructure improvement program to replace the Town’s century-old waterlines. The Wiscasset Water District, engaged Tata & Howard’s services in 2010, to prepare a Capital Efficiency Plan™ (CEP), to identify areas to the Town’s water distribution system needing rehabilitation, repair, and/or replacement.

The Capital Efficiency Plan™ report which included hydraulic modeling, system criticality, and an asset management plan, provided the Utility with a database and Geographic Information System (GIS) representation for each pipe segment within their underground piping system. The CEP report also prioritized the water distribution system piping improvements and provided estimated costs to replace or rehabilitate the water mains.

In response to the CEP™ findings, the Wiscasset Water District retained the services of Tata & Howard, to perform design, bidding, construction administration, and resident project representation services for a series of water main projects.

Wiscasset Main Street

Phased over 10 years, the plan included replacing 33,150 feet of 12-inch and 8-inch piping, installation of a water storage tank mixer, SCADA upgrades, and office landscaping improvements.

The final phase of water main replacements is scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2018 and will fulfill all the Priority I water main improvements identified in the 2010 CEP™ report. The projects were funded in part by a combination of USDA Rural Development grants (6 total) and loans (7 total), as well as coordination with the Maine Department of Transportation and Rural Development.

The final phase of water main replacements that was completed during the summer of 2018 fulfilled all the Priority I water main improvements identified in the 2010 CEP™ report. The projects were funded in part by a combination of USDA Rural Development grants (6 total) and loans (7 total), as well as coordination with the Maine Department of Transportation and Rural Development.

Extended Period Simulation and Hydraulic Study for Town of Avon, MA Water Division

Tata & Howard completed an Extended Period Simulation (EPS) hydraulic model of the water distribution system for the Town of Avon, Massachusetts. An EPS model was created to account for changes in the water distribution system over an extended period to include peak and minimum demands during both the summer and winter months. These changes included tank levels, pump controls, value operation, and demand variations.

The EPS model was used to estimate the water age in the water distribution system under winter and summer demand conditions. Water age is the time water takes to travel from a water supply source to a point within the distribution system. It is used as an indicator of water quality based on the assumption that the older the water is, the greater the likelihood that water quality has deteriorated. According to MassDEP Finished Water Storage Guidelines, a three to five-day complete water turnover is recommended in water storage tanks.

The EPS model was also utilized to evaluate the Town’s existing system operations. The model was used to determine the optimal tank operating range and the impact of the run times on the well pumps. Simulations were performed on both the Center Street and Page Street Tanks to evaluate operations under existing and projected average day demand (ADD), maximum day demand (MDD), and peak hour demands with a minimum pressure of 35 psi maintained throughout the distribution system.

In addition to analyzing the tank optimal operating levels, changes to the existing pump operations and the effect on tank levels and water age were evaluated. Two modified pump operations scenarios were evaluated. Both scenarios were run with the existing tank water level controls and allowing the Page Street Tank to drop four feet. A second modified pump operation scenario evaluated the Town’s lead/lag system. Results for the pump and tank level operations under these simulations were recorded for both summer and winter operations.

Based on the results from each operational modification, Tata & Howard made several recommendations for improvement to the water distribution system. These included allowing the water level in the Page Street and Central Street tanks to drop an additional six feet to improve water age during both the summer and winter demands.

In addition, to help improve the water age in the tanks to an optimal three to five-day complete water turnover as recommended by MassDEP Finished Water Storage Guidelines, Tata & Howard suggested installing mixing systems in each tank.

Worcester, MA Hydraulic Modeling and Capital Efficiency Plan™

Tata & Howard completed a hydraulic model update and Capital Efficiency Plan™ for the City of Worcester. As part of the project, Tata & Howard updated and verified the City’s existing hydraulic model, which has over 550 miles of water main. Work included three days of fire flow tests throughout the City and allocation of demands using up-to-date billing and parcel data. Phase II of the project, the Capital Efficiency Plan™, identified and prioritized areas for improvement within the distribution system. Our services included evaluating the condition of the existing distribution system infrastructure to determine the adequacy of meeting present and future demands, calculating needed storage requirements, assessing and prioritizing system improvements, reviewing and evaluating typical fire flows throughout the system, creating a pipe asset management rating system, and recommending improvements to the distribution system.

Tata & Howard calibrated the hydraulic model under extended period simulation for an evaluation of the Super High Service Area with the Chester Street Tank off-line due to rehabilitation. The configuration of the service area included two distinct zones. The Chester Street Tank is located in one area and the Howland Hill and Apricot Tanks are located in the other area. To remove the Chester Street Tank from service, an evaluation of supply and pressures needed to be completed. The results of the analysis included running both zones off the Apricot Tank and utilizing the Chester Street Pump Station to maintain pressures within the vicinity of the Chester Street Tank.

Capital Efficiency Plan™ for Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA

Tata & Howard, Inc. was recently retained by the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea to complete a Capital Efficiency Plan for the Town’s water system. The system was evaluated to identify areas of the water distribution system in need of rehabilitation, repair, or replacement, and to prioritize improvements to make the most efficient use of the Town’s capital budget. The study evaluates the existing water infrastructure including water transmission and distribution piping and appurtenances. In addition, water storage and supply needs were evaluated and prioritized.

The analysis and improvements in this report are based on the Three Circles Approach for optimum capital efficiency, which combines hydraulic and critical component considerations with an asset management rating system to evaluate the condition of the water mains in the distribution system. Each circle represents a unique set of evaluation criteria for each water main segment.  From each set of criteria, system deficiencies are identified. System deficiencies from each circle are then compared. Any deficiency that falls into more than one circle is given higher priority than one that does not.

\Using the Three Circle Approach, recommended improvements will result in the most benefit to the system. In addition, the Three Circle Approach allows us to identify any situations that mitigate a deficiency in one circle and eliminate a deficiency in another circle. By integrating all three sets of criteria, the infrastructure improvement decision making process and overall capital efficiency are optimized.

Recommendations included a siting study for a second storage tank, Phase I-III distribution system improvements, and the continuance of scheduled maintenance programs such as hydrant flushing, leak detection, and meter testing. The Town’s pavement management plan was also taken into consideration to best prioritize and coordinate utility work with roadway reconstruction.

 

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Capital Efficiency Plan™ and Water Supply Study in Rowley, MA

A Capital Efficiency Plan was completed for the Town of Rowley in May 2017.  The study evaluated the 45 miles of the Town’s water distribution system using the Three Circles Approach, which consists of a system hydraulic evaluation, criticality component assessment, and asset management considerations. From each set of criteria, system deficiencies were identified and a 20-year recommended improvements plan was provided. Recommended improvements consisted of water main replacement projects, a pumping capacity evaluation and well redevelopment study, an interconnection analysis, and a distribution static pressure evaluation.

 

Capital Efficiency Plan™ for Avon, MA

Tata & Howard recently completed a Capital Efficiency Plan™ for the Town of Avon, MA.  As part of the project, Tata & Howard updated and verified the Town’s existing hydraulic model. The work included the completion of fire flow tests throughout the Town and allocation of demands using up-to-date billing and parcel data. The Capital Efficiency Plan™ identified and prioritized areas for improvement within the distribution system.

Our services included evaluating the condition of the existing distribution system infrastructure to determine the adequacy of meeting present and future demands, assessing and prioritizing system improvements, reviewing and evaluating typical fire flows throughout the system, creating a pipe asset management rating system, and recommending improvements to the distribution system. Recommendations included installation of two replacement wells, conducting an interconnection study, rehabilitation of the Page Street Tank, and phased distribution system improvements.

The hydraulic model was also verified under an Extended Period Simulation (EPS), which considers changes in the distribution system over time. The EPS will be used to evaluate tank operating ranges and modifications to the well operating conditions.

Capital Efficiency Plan™ for Norwalk, CT First Taxing District

Tata & Howard, Inc. was retained by the First District Water Department (FDWD) to complete a Capital Efficiency Plan for the First District water system in the City of Norwalk, CT.  Areas of the water distribution system in need of rehabilitation, repair, or replacement, were identified and improvements were prioritized to make the most efficient use of the FDWD’s capital budget. The study evaluated the existing water infrastructure including water transmission and distribution piping and appurtenances. In addition, water storage needs were evaluated and prioritized.

Tata & Howard evaluated the water distribution system using the Three Circle Approach, which consists of evaluation criteria including a system hydraulic evaluation, a critical component assessment, and asset management considerations.

Hydraulic improvements included recommendations that would strengthen the transmission capabilities of the system or provide an ISO recommended fire flow to a certain area. Priority 2 recommendations were identified as part of a system-wide evaluation to improve estimated needed fire flows and system looping.


A critical component assessment was performed for the water distribution system to evaluate the impact of potential water main failures on the system.  The critical component assessment includes identification of critical areas served, critical water mains, and the need for redundant mains.  Critical areas served were identified by the FDWD and include water department facilities, medical facilities, schools, and business districts. Critical water mains include primary transmission lines as well as water mains that cross over major highways, rivers, and railroad tracks. Factors that affected the decision to replace or rehabilitate a water main include break history, material, age, diameter, soil conditions, water quality, and pressure.

An asset management assessment was completed for the system. A number of factors are considered in the ratings including break history, material, age, diameter, soil conditions, water quality, and pressure, and these factors affect the decision to replace or rehabilitate a water main.

Utilizing the Three Circle Approach, improvements were recommended and prioritized based on the aforementioned criteria. Phase I improvements include any recommended improvements that fall into all three circles and are therefore hydraulically deficient, critical, and have a high asset management score.  There are approximately 16,300 linear feet of new main in the Phase I recommended improvements. Phase II improvements include any recommended improvements that fall into two of the circles. There are approximately 81,400 linear feet of new main in the Phase IIa and Phase IIb recommended improvements. Phase III recommendations include any recommended improvements that are needed hydraulically or that have a high asset management score indicating poor condition. The Phase IIIa and Phase IIIb include approximately 157,000 linear feet of new main. In addition, recommendations included soil testing for corrosivity prior to ductile water main installation, implementation of a unidirectional flushing program, and annual updating of the hydraulic model.