Ranchos installs booster station project to improve water supply reliability

APPLE VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company (Ranchos) announced it is investing $915,000 to enhance water system reliability. By installing booster pumps at the Mockingbird Water Tank site, Ranchos furthers continued infrastructure investment that replaces aging infrastructure and improves water supply reliability in Apple Valley.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120807/LA53187)

Booster pumps will allow water from large-capacity wells in the southwest of Ranchos' system to be supplied into the higher pressure Main Pressure Zone, helping to delay costs of drilling new and replacement wells in that zone. This new pumping capability will also enhance the ability for Ranchos to utilize water, and potentially wheel water to other purveyors, from one of the Mojave Water Agency's Regional Recharge and Recovery wells, known as R³ wells.

"Pumping water over long distances requires substantial energy to maintain system pressure," said Water Production Supervisor, Jeff Kinnard. "Booster pumps address this need, and are a big step toward improving water supply reliability—for things like fire flow protection—to the system."

The innovative underground booster pump design provides pressurized water to the existing distribution system, while reducing cooling and maintenance costs. Concealing boosters underground also provides aesthetic considerations by reducing visible ground structures and noise from equipment operation.

"This year we're spending nearly $6 million dollars on capital improvements," said General Manager, Scott Weldy. "Every project, including this one, improves the system infrastructure."

According to the American Water Works Association, aging drinking water infrastructure is a nationwide dilemma that will require more than $1 trillion in continued infrastructure investment needs over the next 25 years. The project construction began in June and will be complete by October 2012.

About Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company

Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company delivers safe, reliable water and exceptional service to about 20,000 connections, about 63,000 people, in the town of Apple Valley and parts of San Bernardino County communities. Additional information may be found by visiting avrwater.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Daylyn W. Presley
562.299.5121
[email protected]

SOURCE Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company