(NDAgConnection.com) – An elevated tank in the city of Taylor becomes operational this week. Main transmission pipeline upgrades have also been completed. Both projects are a part of the Southwest Pipeline Project (SWPP). These hydraulic improvements will help connect people in southwestern North Dakota who have been on a waiting list to receive SWPP water.
The new tank, which is a strategic hydraulic improvement project, will allow the addition of over 100 new connections, with 63 (primarily households) already signed up through the Southwest Water Authority (SWA). These new users will notice improvements in water quality, quantity and consistency.
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the city of Taylor partnered to share the cost of the tank. The construction cost of the tank was $1.95 million and the city of Taylor’s responsibility was $148,000. The elevated potable water storage tank was constructed by Maguire Iron, Inc. and was designed by Bartlett & West/AECOM. The project is located within the city of Taylor and consists of a 400,000-gallon elevated tank built 155 feet high. The tank is sized to provide 350,000 gallons of storage for regional service and 50,000 gallons for the Taylor community.
“The need for quality water grows daily in southwest North Dakota,” said Jen Murray, SWA CEO and manager. “The main transmission line upgrades and the installation of the Taylor elevated tank are just the first of a series of planned hydraulic improvements to address those needs.”
Construction of a main transmission parallel pipeline contract was also completed in late October. Its purpose is to supply more water to three zones northeast, south and west of Dickinson. With the increase in water transmission capacity, it will allow more connections in the future. There are currently 700 people on a waiting list to receive SWPP water throughout the system. This project included more than 20 miles of 16-inch and 12-inch pipeline.
“Part of the vision of the DWR is to sustainably manage and develop the state’s water resources for the health, safety and prosperity of its people,” said Andrea Travnicek, DWR director. “We’re proud to continue providing clean and sustainable Southwest Pipeline Project water to the city of Taylor, and to support future projects that continue to improve Southwest Pipeline Project’s capacity and the ability to add new customers throughout the system.”
SWPP serves a population of more than 56,000 people in southwest North Dakota in 33 communities, with over 7,400 rural service locations, 26 raw water customers and 24 contract customers. SWPP is owned by the North Dakota State Water Commission with operations and maintenance done by the SWA