Reliable access to safe drinking water is essential for any community, and the City of Atchison is taking proactive steps to enhance its raw water supply system. As part of these efforts, Snyder & Associates provided critical engineering support for the City’s new radial collector wells, designed to meet the growing water demands of residents, industries, and rural water customers. This innovative system will help supply the city's water treatment plant, which requires a peak flow capacity of approximately 9 million gallons daily (MGD).
Project Scope & Site Challenges
The city's water treatment plant is situated approximately 8,300 feet from the existing raw water pumping station and more than 12,000 feet from the new radial collector wells. Compounding this challenge, the plant is located approximately 200 feet higher in elevation than the well field. To efficiently integrate the new wells into the system, 4,000 feet of new raw water main is being constructed to connect with the existing raw water pipeline. The project design prioritizes maximizing the use of the existing infrastructure while maintaining the operation of the current raw water intake pump station.
Addressing Surge Control & System Integrity
Given the significant water volume being supplied, high static head, and high pumping head, the project required extensive analysis to implement effective surge control measures. To compound the complexity, the existing raw water main presents some unknowns due to its original design and condition. Currently, daily operating flow and pressure data provide the only confirmed information on its performance. To safeguard potentially fragile sections of the pipeline, the new system has been engineered to prevent surge pressures from exceeding those currently experienced in daily operations.
High-Capacity Pump Stations & Operational Flexibility
Each radial well functions as a high-capacity pump station, equipped with three vertical turbine pumps powered by 500-horsepower electric motors. These pumps are controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), allowing smooth startup and shutdown along with precise adjustments to match water demand. The system offers significant operational flexibility as pumps can function independently, in coordination with other pumps at the same well, in tandem with the second well, or in conjunction with the existing raw water pump station.
Advanced Control & Reliability Features
To further enhance reliability, specialized pump check valves and mechanical surge relief equipment have been incorporated into the system to prevent damage during unexpected shutdowns, such as power failures. Additionally, both wells are fully integrated into the city's SCADA system, enabling centralized control from the treatment plant. Given the remote location of the wells and operational complexity, the control systems have been designed for maximum reliability, intuitive operation, and resilience against disruptions.
Emergency Preparedness & Flooding Considerations
An added challenge for the project is the potential for seasonal flooding, which could occasionally require boat access to the well sites. To mitigate operational risks, each well site is equipped with an emergency power system featuring large natural gas-fired emergency generators with automatic operation, ensuring uninterrupted service even in the event of power outages.
Sustainable Water Future for Atchison Community
Through strategic engineering and system integration, the City of Atchison's new radial collector wells will provide a more resilient and efficient raw water supply, reinforcing the city's commitment to reliable water access for years to come. Snyder & Associates is proud to contribute to this critical infrastructure improvement, partnering with LRE Water to deliver innovative, long-term solutions that secure Atchison's water future through essential hydrogeologic expertise.
