Wellfleet - New Source Approval and Water Main Design

New Source Approval and Water Main Design
Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Overview

Environmental Partners assisted the Town of Wellfleet with planning and design activities for an entirely new water supply and distribution system to serve municipal buildings and the densely developed Central District of Town.  Our activities have included well site screening activities, permitting and performance of pump tests at selected well sites, design and construction of over two miles of new water distribution mains, and evaluation of various privatization options.

Issues

For many years the Town of Wellfleet had studied the increasing nitrate concentrations in groundwater supplies within the downtown or Central District area.  Since water in Town is provided almost entirely from on-site wells, the trend in increasing nitrate concentrations ultimately led to the realization that several municipal buildings in the Central District needed to be served by a new source and distribution system.   The Town also wanted the capability to expand the system to serve private lots in the area as needs arise.  The challenge was to identify the most cost-effective supply/distribution system solution to the limited present needs, while allowing for growth and expansion of the system if the demand grows.

Solution

Environmental Partners was engaged to assist the Town in this endeavor.  Our activities have included:

• An initial feasibility study to define the problems and build consensus on the correct solution.
• Screening of potential well sites throughout Town.
• Permitting and performance of multiple pump tests to identify adequate sources of high quality groundwater supplies.
• Evaluation of distribution system options to serve current needs with the capability of expansion for future needs, including WaterCAD hydraulic modeling.
• Preparation of State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan applications to the DEP.
• Design of a new well source and 2 miles of 8- and 12-inch water mains through the downtown area.
• A detailed, multi-phase Water System Master Plan.
• The new water mains and well source have been constructed under our guidance and are operational.