Distribution System Study and Improvements

elevated-water-tank

ABSTRACT: The Town of Paxton, MA was experiencing significantly reduced chlorine residuals in the extremities of the system along with an aging water tank that required extensive rehabilitation. As a result, the Paxton Department of Public Works (DPW) determined the need to create an extended period simulation (EPS) hydraulic model to evaluate the water age and water quality in the distribution system. The study examined the residual chlorine concentrations and water age throughout the distribution system and presented various options to help mitigate these issues, including replacing the aging tank and adding a chlorine booster pump station at the existing site. Construction of the new tank and pump station was completed in the summer of 2016.

Lunchtime Mentoring: How a Drowned Orifice Works

We take mentoring very seriously here at T&H! During a lunch break, Senior Project Engineer James Hoyt, P.E. demonstrated to some of our junior engineers how a drowned orifice works as a connection between two adjacent tanks. The goal of the experiment was to prove that as long as the velocity through the connection remained low, the head loss through the connection would be low, and therefore the level in the first tank would not be significantly higher than the level in the second tank. This experiment was completed utilizing paper cups, straws, and chewing gum. We love to teach – and learn!