Project Description:
The Hampton Shaler Water Authority (HSWA) supplies approximately 2.0 billion gallons of potable drinking water annually to nearly 26,000 customers in Shaler, Hampton, Etna Borough, Sharpsburg Borough and parts of West Deer, O’Hara, Indiana, Richland, Reserve, Millvale, and Ross Townships. The Hampton Shaler Water Authority Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is located adjacent to Rt. 28 in Shaler Township. The WTP draws water from twelve wells located along the banks of the Allegheny River in Shaler Township and Etna Borough. A thirteenth well is designated as “monitor only” and does not produce water. Although those wells produce very high-quality water, the water is additionally treated and disinfected before it is pumped into the distribution system. The HSWA’s ability to produce reliable, high-quality water stems from its ongoing efforts to maintain the WTP by proactively replacing aging equipment and ensuring the plant has the necessary protections in place. The HSWA has, therefore, completed several critical improvements at the WTP in recent years for which KLH Engineers performed design, bid phase, and construction phase services.
The WTP is divided into two sides. One side is powered by 480V power, and the other side is powered by 4,160V power. In 2018, the HSWA contracted to have emergency backup generators installed for the 480V side of the plant. Two 500 KW units were installed to ensure emergency backup power is available at the WTP in the event of a power outage.
In 2020, the HSWA contracted to have one of its 4,160V finished water pumps converted to 480V and have a new variable frequency drive (VFD) installed. Two 4,160V Molded-Case Circuit Breakers were installed to allow the switchgear and soft starters that operate the 4,160V finished water pumps to be replaced while keeping the 480V half of the WTP in service. Later in 2020, the HSWA contracted to have the 4,160V switchgear and soft starters (which were nearly 50 years old) replaced.
These projects, among others, allow the HSWA to consistently produce reliable, high-quality water for its customers now and for years to come!
