AWWA JAW31603

Increased system demands and maintenance requirements dictated that the Kentucky-American Water Company expand one of its intake facilities. Because the utility did not have the operational flexibility or pumping capacity to vary flow rates or remove the pump station or individual pumps from service, model studies were conducted to determine what measures needed to be taken to operate new intake pumps at maximum efficiency during the lowest river water levels. These studies eliminated the need for major structural renovation or replacement of the intake. During the preliminary engineering phase of the project, eddy currents of significant velocity were observed in various locations in the intake wet well during pumping. In general, the model study confirmed that a significant amount of the operational and maintenance difficulties experienced with the intake pump station could be attributed to the configuration of the intake wet well. Includes 6 references, figures.