Rolla, ND – Water Treatment Plant

Challenge

The Rolla water treatment plant had continued failures in its membrane system, resulting in water quality complaints from city residents. Further, the city’s water distribution system consisted of aged water mains.

Solution

Moore Engineering simplified the chemical treatment system to remove iron and manganese. Comprehensive computer water modeling of the city’s water distribution system was carried out to assist in the analysis of the system pressures and flows. Use of the membrane system was discontinued due to major component physical condition.

Project Outcome

Moore Engineering’s recommendations resulted in chemical cost savings of $80,000 per year and improved water quality. The city plans to use the chemical cost savings to upgrade processes in the water treatment plant and well field. Recommendations from water distribution modeling helped in replacement of aged pipes, looping of dead end zones, and identification of low fire flow zones.

The design of the new membrane system has begun and will be completed in 2016.