When Crisis Strikes, Moore is There
Managing Grafton’s Water Emergency
In Grafton, a city in northeastern North Dakota with a population of 4,059, a key part of the community’s infrastructure encountered an unexpected issue. The City of Grafton’s raw water transmission line has transported water from the Red River to the treatment plant since the late 1970s. Though aging, the pipe remained a dependable part of the city’s water system. Over time, however, wear and tear made failure increasingly likely.
The Catastrophic Burst
In April 2025, the transmission line ruptured beneath the Park River, about 500 feet southeast of the water treatment plant. The city had to rely solely on its backup water supply, a gravity-fed intake line in the Park River located just south of the treatment plant.
A Race Against Time
The backup line, positioned between two dams that regulate the Park River’s water level, was also at risk. Low precipitation and below-average snowmelt had dropped the river to near-drought conditions, with water levels just 2 to 3 inches above the upstream dam’s intake point. If the water fell below that threshold, the city would lose access to its water supply.
Speedy Technical and Funding Solutions
Moore Engineering quickly identified the solution: boring a new transmission line under the Park River. The $200,000 cost posed a challenge to the city’s budget.
Moore’s team acted fast to secure funding. Within two weeks, they obtained $100,000 in cost-share financing from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources and an Emergency Water Assistance grant from USDA Rural Development to cover the remaining cost. This eliminated the financial burden for the city and allowed repair work to begin without delay.
Securing Grafton’s Future
Moore’s support went beyond funding. They worked with city staff to prepare for the possibility that the backup supply might fail before repairs were complete. Together, they developed contingency plans to ensure water access under all scenarios.
Moore also provided construction support, helping city employees understand key components and avoid common mistakes. The collaboration reflected Moore’s commitment to supporting the community.
Restoration and Peace of Mind
The repair was completed successfully, restoring Grafton’s primary water source and easing concerns for residents. The experience highlighted the value of having a responsive and knowledgeable partner like Moore Engineering during critical moments.
Infrastructure Planning is Key
The emergency repair in Grafton underscores the importance of maintaining and investing in water infrastructure. With Moore’s help, the city responded quickly and effectively. The situation also emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure long-term resilience.
Moore Engineering’s municipal experts assist hundreds of communities across the region in planning infrastructure improvements and identifying funding sources.
Water Study
Moore is currently working with Grafton city leaders on a study to evaluate aging water and sewer lines nearing the end of their service life. This kind of planning helps communities stay ahead of potential issues and respond effectively when challenges arise.
Moore and Grafton: Partners in Strengthening a Community
Moore Engineering is an employee-owned company with a mission to improve lives by building strong communities. Employees take ownership of their work and results. The company’s values — Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Loyalty, and Kindness — guide their approach.
In Grafton, city leaders are focused on quality of life and reliable services for residents. Moore’s technical expertise, responsive service, and genuine care for clients foster trust and strengthen communities.
Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) Tool
Moore Engineering’s proprietary Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) tool helps client cities plan and fund infrastructure improvements. The tool enables communities to forecast revenues and expenditures, identify funding gaps, and make informed decisions about fees, taxes, and budgeting to support their long-term goals.
“Moore Engineering’s responsiveness to this community crisis was extraordinary. They came in, assessed the situation, and went right to work. When they secured 100% financing for our project so quickly, they demonstrated how much they care about our residents and quality of life.” – Tom Dusek, City of Grafton Water Superintendent
Ready to Strengthen Your Community?
If your city is facing infrastructure challenges or planning for the future, contact Moore Engineering to learn how we can help.