Fallbrook Public Utilty District Fallbrook, California, United States
Promoting water independence in a water-scarce region
Reducing dependence on imported water
An Alberici joint venture is constructing the Santa Margarita Conjunctive Use Facility to help meet the long-term water needs of the Fallbrook Public Utility District. This project is part of a settlement to a 66-year-long legal battle over the water rights of the Santa Margarita river, and it will reduce dependence on imported water by supplying approximately 30 percent of the community’s water needs. The Alberici team will be completing an advanced water treatment plant (AWTP), two pump stations, multiple storage tanks, and distribution pipelines.
Advanced water treatment
At the 7.2 MGD AWTP, major process systems include iron and manganese removal, reverse osmosis (RO), chemical storage, and a pump station. The iron-manganese removal system consists of five pressure vessels with assorted media and a rated capacity of 1.7 MGD per vessel, and the RO system consists of three three-stage skids and assorted clean-in-place (CIP) equipment. The new AWTP is being constructed on the site of an outdated water facility. In addition to the removal of multiple structures, the team remediated more than 16,000 cubic yards of soil, which was excavated, reconditioned, and recompacted before construction of the new plant’s foundations could begin.
Being a good neighbor while building critical infrastructure
At a second site, the team is removing an existing 100-year-old concrete water tank and will construct a 4 MG steel water tank and booster pump station. The tight construction site is surrounded by homes, requiring constant communication and coordination with the Owner, Construction Manager, and neighbors to maintain positive community relations. The team also coordinated closely with the Fallbrook Public Utility District to complete multiple shutdowns and tie-ins linking the new 4 MG tank and booster pump station into the existing water distribution system.
Placing distribution pipeline with minimum disruption
The project includes installation of nearly 12,500 linear feet of 24-inch cement mortar lined and coated (CMLC) welded steel pipe along and through county roads and District easements. The team is coordinating closely with the District and their customers to mitigate disruption from shutdowns required to tie into the existing distribution system and to re-route water services from abandoned water pipes to new piping.