WATER RESOURCES SERVICES
Watershed Planning
Watershed Planning incorporates present and future aesthetic, ecological, community
growth and health concerns into planning efforts. Services include watershed assessments,
computer modeling and water quality monitoring, sanitary surveys, total maximum
daily load (TMDL) studies, and working with community stakeholder groups.
Source Water Protection
Source water protection efforts involve the following: engineering studies to conduct
surface water and ground water delineations, contaminant inventory lists and locations,
supply susceptibility determinations and to develop public involvement programs,
management measures, and contingency planning strategies. Additional services include
developing Best Management Practices to control stormwater pollution local source
water assessment and protection guide development, and GIS mapping. Familiarity
with federal and many state regulations regarding source water assessment and protection
use of state data and/or BASINS for the contaminant inventory component of the assessments.
Integrated Resource Planning
No part of a water system can function independently. To fully maximize water resources
and supply, Black & Veatch helps you consider and plan for the many dynamic
factors that affect your costs, quality and supply — starting right at the source.
Our comprehensive water resource management works in tandem with the natural water
cycle to consider sources, supplies and conveyance. Importantly, we help you consider
full options for recycle and reuse and safe return of wastewaters to the environment.
In addition, we ensure a feasible balance between the needs of the community, protection
of the environment, and economical, efficient operations. The end result is a dependable,
efficient system that works in the long term for you, your customers and your community.
Water Quality Modeling
Water quality modeling studies use computer simulation models to assess the effect
of pollutant loads from point and non-point sources of pollution on the quality
of receiving water bodies. This includes waste load allocations using QUAL2E and
other steady-state programs; hydrodynamic and water quality simulations of reservoirs
using CE-QUAL-R1 and WQRRS; and watershed runoff models using P8.
Surface Water Supply
Providing safe and sufficient water supplies for municipalities, industries, and
other users requires the ability to evaluate a wide variety of potential sources
of supply, including traditional supplies such as surface waters and groundwater,
as well as newer management options such as conservation and water reuse. Water
supply planning must be based on a sound understanding of the hydrologic cycle and
incorporate environmental and public interest considerations. Black & Veatch
has a team of engineers, scientists and planners who can determine the sources of
supply that best meet anticipated needs and then provide the optimal design to ensure
the reliability of that supply.
Groundwater Supply
The evaluation and design of groundwater supplies includes groundwater flow modeling,
exploration, aquifer testing, aquifer yield estimates, well troubleshooting, horizontal
collector well evaluations, wellfield capacity, and design of vertical and horizontal
collector wells. Black & Veatch’s services also include wellhead protection
studies and plans, including wellhead protection area modeling, vulnerability assessments
and management plans.
Reclamation and Reuse Irrigation
Water reclamation and reuse projects for municipal and industrial clients range
from the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, industrial facilities (such
as process water and cooling towers), fire protection, and/or aquifer recharge to
zero discharge facilities using the latest, most cost-effective and state-of-the-art
techniques. Services include rate studies, public outreach, workshops, regulatory
reviews, pilot-scale and bench-scale testing, full-scale design, construction management,
training, process optimization and design-build.
Drought Contingency
Drought contingency efforts consists of engineering studies to address safe yield
analysis and drought response modeling, including drought response stages and triggers
defined to signal the beginning and end of each response stage, supply management
measures, and demand management measures. Black & Veatch’s drought contingency
services includes notification procedures for customers, media, and elected officials;
enforcement procedures and procedures for granting exceptions; assistance with public
involvement; public awareness and ongoing public education; and coordination with
regional water planning groups to assist in the adoption of the drought contingency
plans.
Wet Weather Flow/Stormwater
This service includes engineering studies and the design of storm water management
systems, including hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality studies. Design of facilities
including best management practices, large detention structures, open channels,
and underground drainage systems. Extensive use of state-of-the-art computer models
linked to GIS. Urban stream restoration engineering studies and design to address
degrading stream channels. These activities include bank stabilization, bio-engineering,
fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, eco-restoration, habitat restoration,
stream and wetland restoration. The use of computer models and GIS provides a working
tool for clients.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery
Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) resource management harnesses the underground reservoirs
that nature already provides. Black & Veatch engineers and constructors can
address a myriad of water resource challenges with ASR solutions, including inconsistent
supply (seasonal shortage or excess, emergency supplies), storage issues (limited
storage facilities, long-term storage), and environmental concerns (salt water intrusion,
groundwater levels). ASR wells can be used to inject treated groundwater, surface
water or wastewater, an environmentally sound method that saves precious resources.
By introducing new water supply into existing aquifers with adequate storage volume,
brackish or unusable water can be displaced, or low-volume portions can be recharged.
A renewed water supply can be made available affordably, with minimal land requirements
and utilizing existing infrastructure.