Arkansas Valley Pipeline

GEI was retained by the Waterworks Committee of the Lower Arkansas River Valley to study the feasibility of building a water pipeline extending from the Pueblo Reservoir east to Lamar. The pipeline would address the clients concern of the declining quality of available water in the Lower Basin.

GEI prepared a reconnaissance level study with preliminary screening of potential pipeline alignment, and a feasibility-level study of selected alignments. GEI determined that a pipeline could either be designed to deliver untreated water to individual water treatment facilities or to deliver treated water from a centralized water treatment facility. Both options were considered in the feasibility study.

Tasks completed by the GEI team included:

• Preparation of population and water use forecasts through the year 2050
• Evaluation of existing water quality suitability to meet Safe Drinking Water maximum contaminant limits and goals
• Assessment of sufficiency of Fryingpan Project water or other water rights to satisfy demand
• Determination of a recommended pipeline alignment and pipe diameters
• Economic and financial analyses of the project.

GEI and its sub-consultant developed a detailed questionnaire to obtain key population, water demand, and water system data needed for project planning. The questionnaire, supplemented by meetings, discussions, and telephone follow up, provided the basis for the planning of the pipeline to meet future municipal water demands in the Lower Valley.