WCOM NEWS
3-16-05
MIRAMAR--The city pipes that bring
residents their drinking water soon will receive a checkup to ensure they have
proper pressure.
Wastewater pipes also will receive a check of their pressure and capacity. To
examine the 300-plus miles of water mains throughout Miramar, the city has hired
a firm to conduct a hydraulic computer analysis.
Using
city water bills and other water flow data, a computer model will examine the
demand for water at various times, including on an average and maximum daily
basis, city records show.
City commissioners recently selected Montgomery Watson Harza Inc. to provide the
engineering services to conduct the review. The firm will receive up to $87,357
for the work.
The model will show the capacity of the water plant as well as water lines that
may need updating such as a size increase, said Vernon Hargray, an assistant
city manager.
"It's like you're going to the doctor to get a checkup," Hargray said.
"The heart is the same thing as the water plant. The large arteries are the
water mains, and the smaller arteries are the small transmission lines."
Through the computer model, the company will simulate actual water system
demands as well as the city's anticipated water system pressure needs, according
to city records. To do this, the model will review pipelines ranging in width
from 2 to 36 inches, pumping and storage facilities, fire hydrants, meters and
more.
The company will then analyze residents' and firefighters' water pressure needs
and will give the city a summary of proposed improvements to pipes and fire
hydrants.
(source) Sun Sentinel (Jodie
Needle) 3-16-05