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Rapid City Utility System Master Plan

Project Status

Phase I

The Project Team completed Phase I of the Utility System Master Plan which included a review of previous master plans and engineering studies, a detailed GIS needs assessment, review of workflows within the City, and development of the overall scope of the master plan. This activity was used to determine the current state of the City’s GIS database and to determine areas for improving efficiency within the City Departments, and adding benefit to the Citizens of Rapid City. Phase I was initiated in the fall of 2005 and completed in February 2006.

Phase II

The second phase of the Utility System Master Plan began in April 2006, and includes the development of ‘real-time’ GIS based tools to efficiently manage future expansion and maintenance of the utilities system. Specific activities include extensive field collection of data related to the physical configuration of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems, development of geodatabases and hydraulic models, and extensive evaluation to determine necessary improvements. The City’s water treatment and water reclamation facilities will also be evaluated, water rights will be evaluated, and improvements will be implemented for utility billing and maintenance management. For the status of activities associated with Phase II of the Utility System Master Plan, follow the links below.

Develop Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)

Necessary improvement projects are identified based on the water and wastewater modeling analyses. Budgetary level cost opinions and schedules will be developed. The impact to existing rates will be evaluated and a funding plan will be developed. The recommended CIP will be included in the final report.

Future Water Rights Planning

Data related to historical water demand and projections of population growth is currently being analyzed to determine if the City’s existing water rights will meet short term and long term demands. If future water demands are not met by the City’s existing water supply, recommendations will be made to the City’s Long Term Water Rights Acquisition Program so sufficient water rights are obtained.

Final Report and Deliverables

The project team will complete all deliverables including the final report, geodatabases, and hydraulic models.

Geodatabase Development

Development of the Water System Geodatabase – Data related to the water distribution system was digitized into the City’s GIS database. This forms the basis for developing working models of the water system. Approximately 386 miles of water mains have been added to the GIS as well as over 18,000 different point features including valves, hydrants and fittings.

Development of the Wastewater Collection Geodatabase – Data for the wastewater collection system was field collected to ensure the data is accurate and complete. The data includes survey grade GPS manhole location (X, Y coordinates), elevation, and depth. Several crews surveyed approximately 6000 manholes, collected information on the configuration and condition of each manhole, and collected digital photographs of the manhole interior. This activity was conducted throughout the summer (2006) and included a substantial quality assurance/quality control function to verify data accuracy. The collected information forms the basis for developing the wastewater system models.

· Field Data Collection

Development of Growth Projections and the Future Land Use Geodatabase – This involved preparation of a geodatabase of existing growth and development data utilizing existing land use and zoning information, actual development data, available growth data provided by City’s Growth Management department, long range transportation growth data, and future land use study data. This database is used to predict growth as it relates to the necessary future improvements to the City’s infrastructure.

Develop Forecasts – Data related to historical water demand and wastewater loading was evaluated along with the growth projections and future land use plans to develop forecasts for future demands/loading. This information is also necessary to predict future improvements that will be needed as the City continues to grow.

Water/Wastewater System Field Data Collection

Flow & Rainfall Monitoring – In May of 2006, 12 flowmeters were installed within the City’s wastewater collection system along with 4 rain gauges. By collecting data during the high rainfall season, loading rates can be verified and the hydraulic models can be calibrated.

Pressure Monitoring of Water Distribution System – In July of 2006, pressure monitoring devices were installed at various locations throughout the water distribution system to measure line pressure under high demand. This information will be evaluated with corresponding flowrates, and later used to calibrate the hydraulic models of the water system.

Water/Wastewater System Analysis

Develop Hydraulic Models – Hydraulic models of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems were developed using MWH Soft InfoWater and InfoSewer. The models have been calibrated using the pressure and flow monitoring data discussed above to ensure accuracy prior to conducting additional analysis. The models will be used to determine necessary upgrades/improvements for the water/sewer systems and determine demand/loading rates for the treatment facilities.

Wastewater System Analysis – Analyze the existing sewer system and future scenarios to determine upgrades necessary to meet future loading rates. The calibrated hydraulic models were used for this task along with infiltration and inflow factors developed from field data collection and previous City projects. Information from this analysis will be used to develop the recommended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include future pipes, lift stations, or treatment facilities as required to meet the projected growth.

Regional Water Quality Planning – Analysis of watersheds near the City will help plan for future possible locations for wastewater treatment plants. Planning will focus on areas that require significant cooperation between local and regional officials.

Water System Analysis

Hydraulic Models – Hydraulic models of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems will be developed. These models will be used to determine necessary upgrades/improvements for the water/sewer systems and determine demand/loading rates for the treatment facilities.

Evaluate Future Water Treatment Process Alternatives – Existing and project demands were combined with work conducted under the City’s Jackson Springs project to determine the most suitable process alternatives for the future. The alternatives were developed with anticipated levels of treatment and overall end quality of water as main criteria.

Regulatory Review and CMOM Program Requirements

The current status of the Capacity, Management, Operation and Management (CMOM) program was summarized for the final report including:

· A brief summary of existing and expected future regulatory requirements for the wastewater collection system;

· Discharge monitoring report requirements (and known overflow locations, if any);

· The City’s current Infiltration/Inflow management activities.

Utility System Billing

The Project Team recently assisted the City in the evaluation of various software packages to improve Utility System Billing. The City then selected a new Utility Billing System vendor and is currently implementing the new billing system.

Policy/Ordinance Review

The Project Team is reviewing public works ordinances and policies as they relate to the master planning effort.

Computerized Maintenance Management System

To optimize the process of maintaining the City’s infrastructure, a Computerized Maintenance Management System is being implemented. This will enable proactive maintenance and improve efficiency of all maintenance activities. After a comprehensive evaluation of various software packages, Cityworks^® from Azteca Systems was selected for implementation. The project team is currently refining workflows and will be deploying the software in June/July 2007. The software will be a valuable tool for the City for new tap connection activities, valve exercising programs, TV and sewer backup evaluations, and water sewer repairs and has extensive capabilities for future uses.

Scanning of As-Built Drawings

The City’s archive of as-built drawings (approximately 30,000 sheets) have been electronically scanned and tied to the City’s GIS road centerline file. This will ensure the drawings are preserved and provide improved efficiency in locating and using drawings for future engineering project.