BPW STUDY

It's probably hard to believe after the drought dropped the Broad River flow levels to historic lows this summer, but the Board of Public Works has an ample supply of water to service its customers well into this century.

That was the finding of a water supply study conducted by HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas. Engineer Ken Barnett presented the study results at Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting.

"The study was done to determine your long-term water supply," Barnett said.

Despite the recent drought and the increasing demand for water from the Broad River from such energy users such as the nearby Cliffside Steam Station expansion, Barnett told the commissioners the river is capable of meeting the utility's water supply needs to 2045 under a projected daily usage rate of 12.5 million gallons.

The study recommended commissioners consider upgrades to the pipes under the Lake Whelchel dam to improve the flow and develop procedures to avert water topping the dam during prolonged heavy rains.

Responding to a question from commissioner Fred Keller, Barnett said there was no immediate need to dredge Lake Whelchel.

Board of Public Works General Manager Donnie Hardin said the water supply projection was a conservative estimate since the Board would enact conservation measures under dire drought conditions.

But Hardin noted the study revealed the need for the Board to locate another offstream water storage site, such as a lake.

Hardin added the permitting process for a reservoir is a "long drawn-out and expensive" one.

"The Broad River will be our only water source," Hardin said. 'We need to look for another lake or storage site as a long-range project."

Keller asked if Limestone College quarry was a viable alternative water source. But Barnett said his experience has shown that water levels are typically lower than expected in quarries. Hardin added it would be expensive to construct a piping system from the quarry to the water plant.

The study's findings are expected to be discussed further at the commissioners' annual long-range planning workshop in January.

The water supply study cost $52,200. It took the engineering firm four months to complete it.