ECCV H2’06 PIPELINE AND RENEWABLE WATER SUPPLY ONLINE, ON TIME
July 27, 2006
Colorado’s first such collaborative project brings renewable water to South Metro area
Arapahoe County, CO — The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV) Board of Directors today marked the completion of the first phase of a major water project that now brings a long-term supply of renewable water to the District’s nearly 50,000 customers.
The Northern Project, publicly identified as “H2’06”, delivers surface water from the South Platte River that will supplement ECCV’s aquifer resources and reduce the District’s dependency on non-renewable groundwater. Now complete, Phase I of the project included the acquisition of water rights and the construction of a 31-mile underground pipeline, storage tanks and two pumping stations to carry water from the Beebe Draw near Barr Lake to ECCV’s tanks, which are located near Smoky Hill Road and E-470. Officially announced in December 2003, the multi-phase project also will include the purchase of additional water rights and a future water-treatment facility.
“ECCV is proud to tell our customers that their renewable water has arrived,” said E. Peter Elzi, Jr., ECCV Board Chairman.
In addition to serving ECCV’s customers, members of the South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) partnered in the project by paying the costs to build a larger-than-planned pipeline with capacity to move water to their communities. This collaborative effort enables participating districts to purchase their own water rights and use ECCV’s waterline to bring the resources to their customers. SMWSA members buying pipeline capacity in the pipeline include Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, the Town of Castle Rock, Centennial Water and Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District, Inverness Water & Sanitation District, and Stonegate Village Metropolitan District.
“This is a partnership that benefits all of the participants by providing opportunities for future water planning,” said Ray Waterman, SMWSA Chairman. “Sharing the costs of this waterline during a time of rapidly rising material and energy costs was the right move at the right time for us all.”
ECCV’s H2’06 project involved the purchase of South Platte River water rights in a three-way arrangement between ECCV, Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO) and the United Water and Sanitation District (United). In Phase II of the project, ECCV paid $45 million for 3,000 acre-feet per year of surface water rights from United, another Colorado Special District. The renewable water is now diverted from the South Platte River near the Adams-Weld County border and exchanged through the FRICO system into the Beebe Draw, a shallow natural aquifer system near Barr Lake. Under the agreement, United provides wells in the Beebe Draw and the basic infrastructure to bring ECCV’s water to its H2’06 pipeline.
ECCV recently completed construction on two booster pump stations and the new 48-inch-diameter pipeline that sends the water southward to the District’s storage tanks. When future phases are complete, the pipeline is expected to carry up to 40 million gallons of water per day for the District’s customers. Northwest Pipe manufactured the pipeline for this project, and ECCV secured its costs at 2005 prices. ERS, a pipeline division of TIC based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., was the contractor for the H2’06 pipeline, and Garney Construction, the contractor for the booster pump stations. Camp Dresser McKee served as the design consultant and provided construction management services for the pipeline and pump stations.
The Phase II water rights portion of the project involves the purchase of an additional 3,000 acre-feet of water from the shareholders of mutual ditch company FRICO, who unanimously approved this type of plan in 2002. “Cooperating with ECCV and United was a win-win for FRICO shareholders and ECCV customers,” said FRICO General Manager Manuel Montoya.
Overall, ECCV spent approximately $150 million for the water rights and Phase I construction. ECCV is using a variety of means to finance the H2’06 project. In 2003, the District paid about half of the initial water rights costs ($18.5 million) through the sale of enterprise revenue bonds. The remaining cost of the water rights and a portion of the infrastructure costs are funded by increased tap fees, which are paid by homebuilders on a per house basis to connect to ECCV’s system. Currently, ECCV’s water tap fee is $17,750 and the amount is anticipated to increase up to $1,250 each year until the District is fully developed. In addition, ECCV customers pay a $22 monthly fee into the Northern Project Construction Fund (NPCF) to finance the new infrastructure. The fee will remain in effect until the 30-year bonds are completely paid.
“Securing renewable water has been of paramount importance to ECCV for years, as the District has relied on wells tapping finite water supplies in underground aquifers for the past 40 years,” said David Kaunisto, ECCV District Manager. “Groundwater supplies will be more expensive in the future, as additional wells become necessary to provide the same amount of water flow.”
Partnership has been a cornerstone in ECCV’s operations, and today the District also plans to award a contract for the construction of an interconnection from the H2’06 line to Denver Water’s system at Denver International Airport (DIA). The selected contractor will build the four-mile interconnect, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The connection will enable ECCV to bring permanently leased water from Denver to its customers, further adding to ECCV’s renewable supplies. In addition, the link allows DIA to resolve a troublesome water-circulation issue that had forced the release of water from Denver Water’s system to maintain compliance with potable water standards.
About East Cherry Creek Water & Sanitation District:
The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 50,000 people in the eastern portions of the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. ECCV is a Colorado Special District governed by Colorado Revised Statute Title 32. As such, the Board of Directors is elected by the registered voters of the District. For the most up-to-date information on the District and the H2’06 water project, please visit ECCV’s Web site at www.eccv.org.
ECCV WATERING PROGRAM ALLOWS ADDITIONAL DAY OF TURF-WATERING March 14, 2006
Renewable Water Project Helps to Ease Watering Restrictions in 2006
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Monica Holland, ECCV, 303-693-3800
Kristy Bassuener, Webb PR, 303-796-8888
Arapahoe County, CO — The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV) Board of Directors announced an additional watering day for residential and commercial customers in the upcoming watering season. The provisional watering program for 2006 allows outdoor turf irrigation three days a week, increased from two days in past years.
ECCV is close to completing its H2'06 pipeline, which will bring renewable water to the District from the South Platte River at the Adams-Weld County border. In addition, ECCV is constructing a connection to the Denver Water Department system that will provide additional renewable supplies. Currently the District draws most of its water from deep Denver Basin aquifers. ECCV's biggest challenge is pumping groundwater supplies fast enough to meet demand on peak watering days.
"We look forward to adding renewable water to our portfolio to serve our customers," stated District Manager Dave Kaunisto. "However, the District will continue its emphasis on conservation to meet demand and allow aquifer resources to remain viable for long-term supply."
Under the watering program, customers with addresses ending in an even number may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Odd numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Recommended watering time is 15 minutes per zone. Fridays will be a no watering day for residential and commercial customers. Also, no watering will be permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Residents found violating these restrictions will be fined.
"We encourage District customers to adhere to watering restrictions and help conserve in 2006," stated E. Peter Elzi, Jr., ECCV Board Chairman.
The ECCV Board of Directors also approved a watering program for new sod and seed. For more information on this program and other District watering guidelines, please visit our Web site at www.eccv.org.
About East Cherry Creek Water & Sanitation District:
The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District serves more than 50,000 people in the eastern portions of the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. ECCV is a Colorado Special District governed by Colorado Revised Statute Title 32. As such, our Board of Directors is elected by the registered voters of the District. For the most up-to-date information on the District and our H2'06 water project, please visit our Web site at www.eccv.org or contact the customer service department at 303-693-3800.
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ECCV BOARD SELECTS CONTRACTORS FOR H2’06 PROJECT July 21, 2004
ERS and Garney to Construct Water Pipeline and Treatment Plant Facilities
NEWS RELEASE
David Kaunisto, ECCV, 303-693-3800
Kristy Bassuener, Webb PR, 303-796-8888
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLO. – The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV) Board of Directors selected ERS and Garney Construction as construction consultants on the District’s Northern Water Project, H2’06. The ECCV Board awarded the contracts based on the recommendations of ECCV staff and with chief design consultant Camp, Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM).
ERS, a pipeline division of TIC based in Steamboat Springs, CO; will be the construction consultant for the H2’06 pipeline. ERS has received a $108,490 contract to serve as a consultant during the design of the 30 mile pipeline. This pipeline will bring treated water from ECCV’s planned treatment facility near Barr Lake, to ECCV’s distribution system near Smoky Hill Road and E-470.
ECCV selected Garney Construction for a $113,000 contract to serve as a construction consultant for the H2’06 Northern Water Treatment Plant, Booster Pump Station and SCADA Extension Project. The water treatment plant will use reverse osmosis technology to treat the water before it is piped to ECCV. Garney will also extend ECCV’s system monitoring capabilities by expanding its SCADA system.
“ERS and Garney were standout bidders of these portions of H2’06, bringing both experience and strong recommendations from previous projects,” said Peter Elzi, ECCV Board Chairman. ”We look forward to working with them.”
The H2’06 project will bolster the District’s water portfolio and reduce its dependence on the expensive and limited groundwater supply. The project will bring an additional 3,000 acre-feet of renewable surface water per year into the District when Phase 1 begins delivering water in 2006.
About East Cherry Creek Water & Sanitation District:
The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 50,000 people in the eastern portions of the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. For the most up-to-date information on the District and our H2’06 water project, please check our Web site at http://www.eccv.org or contact the customer service department at 303-693-3800.
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ECCV BOARD TAPS DENVER’S CDM FOR DESIGN OF WATER PROJECT July 9, 2004
Proactive H2’06 Plan Will Bring Renewable Water To District By 2006
NEWS RELEASE
David Kaunisto, ECCV, 303-693-3800
Kristy Bassuener, Webb PR, 303-796-8888
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLO. – The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV) Board of Directors selected Denver-based Camp, Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) as the design consultant for the District’s Northern Water Project, H2’06. By 2006, the project will deliver renewable water to the southeast metro-area District that currently relies on non-renewable groundwater.
“We’re confident in CDM’s experience for the design of the key elements and infrastructure of H2’06,” said Allan Tenenbaum, ECCV Board Chairman. “CDM has a broad understanding of ECCV’s system as we worked closely with them on our Western Water project in 2003, and we’re eager to work with them again.”
ECCV has contracted with CDM to handle several tasks under the agreement. The firm will work closely with the District’s engineers, Meurer and Associates, to develop the best design for the project’s pipeline, storage facility, pump stations and treatment plant. CDM also will manage the project, coordinate governmental permits, assist in the selection of the most appropriate contractors, offer support in land surveying needed for facilities as well as other key management functions.
“CDM is looking forward to its role designing and developing what is sure to be a key artery for renewable water in the southeast corridor,” said Richard Thornton, Senior Vice President of CDM. The overall design fees are currently estimated at $4.2 million.
In December 2003, East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District announced an agreement to buy South Platte River water rights from United Water & Sanitation District and Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO), an irrigation water provider in Adams and Weld Counties. The initial phase of the project will bring 3,000 acre-feet of water per year to the District.
H2’06 includes the construction of a water treatment facility, pumping facilities and pipelines as well as the acquisition of surface water rights. ECCV will take delivery of the water in Adams County, and will spend $52 million to construct a water treatment plant, pipeline, and pump stations near Barr Lake, a FRICO property, sending treated water through a new pipeline to ECCV’s tanks, located on the eastern edge of the district near Smoky Hill Road and E-470. The new facilities will take two years to construct and ECCV plans to have the water available for use in the summer of 2006.
About East Cherry Creek Water & Sanitation District:
The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 50,000 people in the eastern portions of the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. For the most up-to-date information on the District and our H2’06 water project, please check our Web site at http://www.eccv.org or contact the customer service department at 303-693-3800.
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ECCV ANNOUNCES PARTNERS IN WATER PIPELINE March 30, 2005
South Metro Water Supply Authority to Join ECCV’s Planned Northern Pipeline
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David Kaunisto, ECCV, 303-693-3800
Kristy Bassuener, Webb PR, 303-796-8888
Arapahoe County, CO – The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV) today announces that the South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) has agreed to participate in ECCV’s Northern Pipeline. Officially announced in December 2003, ECCV’s Northern Project includes the Northern Pipeline, pump stations and a treatment plant to serve its customers’ water needs for the future. In 2006, the Northern Water Project – named H2’06 – will supply renewable water to the southeast metro communities that currently rely on non-renewable groundwater. The source of this water is the South Platte River. The water will be taken from the river near the Adams-Weld County border, and injected into the Beebe Draw, a shallow aquifer system near Barr Lake.
“We’re thrilled that the SMWSA will be participating in the pipeline project,” said Dave Kaunisto, ECCV District Manager. “These agreements would never have come to fruition without the hard work and dedication of our Board and staff, as well as other community leaders.”
The SMWSA is comprised of water providers in the South Metro area. SMWSA members agreeing to buy capacity in ECCV’s water pipeline include Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, Centennial Water and Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District, Inverness Water & Sanitation District, and Stonegate Village Metropolitan District. The Town of Castle Rock will consider participation at a future date.
The addition of new participants in the Northern Project will allow ECCV to increase the planned pipeline size to 48” from 42” inches. ECCV’s Board of Directors awarded a contract to manufacture the pipe to Northwest Pipe at its March 24th board meeting. In 2004, the District tapped Denver-based Camp Dresser and McKee Inc. as the design consultant for the project and ERS and Garney Construction as construction consultants.
Altogether, the SMWSA will pay an estimated total of $9.5 million for its capacity in the pipeline. The overall cost of the Northern Pipeline is estimated at $67 million. The SMSWA is purchasing capacity in the pipeline only, and the agreement does not include water rights or capacity in the water treatment plant or pump stations.
“This partnership will benefit all of the participants,” said E. Peter Elzi, Jr., President of ECCV’s Board of Directors.
The southeast metro communities have been searching for renewable water supplies to complement their deep groundwater sources. The SMWSA’s involvement in ECCV’s Northern Pipeline will provide the participants with additional opportunities to secure renewable water.
About H2’06, The Northern Project
In December 2003, ECCV announced an agreement to buy South Platte River water rights from United Water & Sanitation District and Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO), an irrigation water provider in Adams and Weld Counties. The initial phase of the project will bring 3,000 acre-feet of water per year to ECCV.
H2’06 includes the construction of a water-treatment facility, pumping facilities and pipelines as well as the acquisition of surface water rights. ECCV will take delivery of the water in Adams County, and will spend $67 million to construct a water treatment plant, pipeline, and pump stations near Barr Lake, a FRICO property. The water will be transported through a new pipeline to ECCV’s tanks, located on the eastern edge of the district near Smoky Hill Road and E-470. ECCV plans to have the water available for use in the summer of 2006.
About East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District:
The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 50,000 people in the eastern portions of the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. For the most up-to-date information on the District and our H2’06 water project, please check our Web site at www.eccv.org or contact the customer service department at 303-693-3800.
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