Capital Projects

In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply, it is necessary to constantly make improvements to the water system. During the six-year period from 2008 through 2013, the EWW anticipates the completion of many major capital improvements totaling nearly $95 million. These improvements include projects that are necessary to provide a reliable supply of high quality water to you, our customer. The map below depicts the planned 2010 capital improvements projects.

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2010 Capital Improvement Project Descriptions

Treatment Improvements

Wasielewski WTP Water Quality Upgrade (Phase II): The Phase II upgrades of the Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant (RSW WTP) involve water quality. (Phase I was pumps/electrical upgrade while Phase III is future Architectural / Structural improvements). The 2010 scope of work includes membrane equipment procurement, and completion of engineering, permitting, and receipt of bids for construction. With Board approval, construction will begin in November 2010. The project will replace the sand filtration system with a state-of –the-art Ultrafiltration Membrane System to ensure EWW will surpass tightening water quality standards.

Chestnut Treatment Plant Improvements: The 2010 Phase III improvements will include additions needed to help ensure that the Chestnut WTP will continue to operate reliably and continuously while construction takes place at the Wasielewski WTP through the next three to five years. The critical work added includes Filter Bed Improvements, Settling Basin Sludge Collection Replacement, and other improvements.

Pumping Improvements

Johnson Pump Station Improvements: Built in the early 1960’s, the Johnson Pump Station serves both High Service and East Booster Pressure Districts which supply water to portions of Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, Wesleyville, and Summit. Planned improvements include installation of an emergency generator to allow for continuous operation, new electrical switchgear, valves, pumps and motors, and a sodium hypochlorite disinfection system that will replace the gaseous chlorine system and result in a much safer operation.

Transmission & Distribution Improvements

Jordan to Koehler Water Main Extension: This project will extend 15,000 feet of 12-inch waterline from Jordan Road to Koehler Road and Corvette Drive. The result will be to increase public fire protection, increase use and turnover of EWW’s Kuhl Road Tank, and allow for planned development in Millcreek that has been delayed due to lower than desired operating pressure in that EWW service area (near the East Tanks). This extension introduces an EWW water supply to Greene Township. Design work was finished in 2009. A 2011 construction is anticipated pending the construction of the Kane Hill Road Bridge replacement, upon which EWW will affix its water main.

Peninsula Drive Water Main Replacement: This project will replace 3,000 feet of 8-inch distribution water main from the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to the entrance of Presque Isle State Park. The main was originally installed in 1939 and has had many breaks in recent years. Repair costs at this location are very expensive and help justify the cost of this replacement. Design and construction will occur in 2010. EWW is pursuing a grant from the H2O PA Act established by the General Assembly in July 2008.

Lewis & Shomont Water Main Extension: This project will install 8,000 feet of water main on Lewis Road from Highmeyer Road to Moorheadville Road (6,000-ft.) and along Shomont (2,000-ft.) from Lewis Road to where the existing water main terminates. This project will eliminate 3 dead ends which will improve service levels, water quality, and overall fire protection. Design and construction would occur in 2010 and 2011.

East 12th Street Water Main Replacement: This project will replace 2,800 feet of 16-inch transmission main from Downing Avenue to Franklin Avenue on East 12th Street. The main was originally installed in 1927 and has had many breaks in recent years. Design and construction will occur in 2010.

Frontier Water Main Replacement: This project is still in the planning phase. It will replace 7,000 feet of old water main with new 8 inch main in the public right-of-way. The existing mains north of West 8th Street in the area of Kahkwa Boulevard, Virginia Avenue, Vermont Avenue, Crescent Drive are located between the backyards of the residents, which makes maintenance and emergency repairs extremely difficult.

East High Service Storage Tank: The 2010 scope will include finalizing the design and permitting of the 3.7 MG Ground Storage Tank to be located in the eastern portion of the High Service Pressure District. The work will also require 1,500–feet of transmission main to be installed along Bird Drive. This will improve emergency storage and fire flows within the water system. EWW is pursuing low interest PENNVEST financing to fund the project.

Radio Read Meter Program: This project includes changing out each meter and installing a new meter, along with a Radio Read Meter Interface Unit (MIU). The EWW presently has approximately 12,000 Radio Read Units in place. The 2010 project includes Radio Read units for the completion of the Harborcreek change out and Radio Read Unit Install Project, Erie Housing Authority – Horan Gardens, Meter Pit Radio Read Unit Installs, Installation of the EZ Gate Fixed Base Data Collectors, and some strategic Radio Read installs in High Traffic areas of Millcreek Township and the City of Erie.

Valve, Hydrant and Service Line Replacement Programs: The Distribution Department will replace 95 main line valves, 85 hydrants and 400 existing services that are identified as wrought iron or leaking.

General Plant Improvements

Facilities Security: This phase of the facility security upgrades continues the installation of a comprehensive access control system at all EWW facilities.