News Summary
The Irvine Ranch Water District has awarded a $25 million contract to COWI, in partnership with GFT, for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project, the largest in the district’s history. The project aims to enhance storage capacity from 578 acre-feet to 5,000 acre-feet of recycled water, improving water supply reliability and reducing reliance on imported water. COWI will manage construction services, ensuring compliance with safety standards and community impact considerations. Completion is projected for 2028, contributing significantly to the region’s water infrastructure.
COWI and GFT Awarded $25M Contract for Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in Irvine, CA
The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) has awarded a significant $25 million contract to COWI, in partnership with GFT (formerly known as Gannett Fleming), for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project. This initiative marks the largest project in IRWD’s history and stands as one of the most ambitious water infrastructure upgrades in Southern California.
The goal of this project is to enhance the storage capacity of Syphon Reservoir from 578 acre-feet to a remarkable 5,000 acre-feet of recycled water—a tenfold increase. This expansion is crucial to strengthening regional water supply reliability and improving climate resilience, while also contributing to a significant reduction in imported water costs.
Scope and Responsibilities
COWI will facilitate construction management services throughout the project, which includes overseeing all aspects from pre-construction to completion. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of services: constructability reviews, providing assistance during the contractor bidding process, contract administration, resident engineering, quality assurance, and risk management. Additionally, the team will coordinate with IRWD on environmental monitoring and public outreach efforts.
The project is designed to bolster the district’s capacity to store and reuse recycled water, which will alleviate demand on drinking water supplies. It includes the replacement of the existing 59-foot dam with a new 136-foot embankment dam, as well as the construction of new spillways, seepage drainage systems, and upgraded outlets. Furthermore, circulation works, filtration, and disinfection facilities will also be built at the dam toe.
Project Budget and Impact
The total budget for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project is $291 million. This investment is expected to provide substantial savings for customers, estimated at $85 million over the next 50 years due to reduced reliance on imported water. In line with this initiative, new access and maintenance roads will be created, alongside wetland and riparian mitigation areas.
To ensure compliance with regulatory safety standards, an independent design and safety review panel was convened by IRWD in 2021. Funding support includes a $12.25 million award under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law WaterSMART program, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to bolster recycled water systems—critical for improving drought resilience in California.
Community Considerations
When it comes to construction, plans are in place to mitigate potential community impacts. Measures include limiting truck access during peak hours, confining construction activities to weekdays, and employing dust and noise controls to minimize disturbances during the process.
The IRWD has set the projected completion date for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in 2028. This project is expected to enhance the district’s recycled water network, which spans 570 miles of pipes and serves over 6,200 water accounts, making up 28% of total deliveries.
Expertise in Water Infrastructure
COWI is well-equipped for this project, possessing extensive experience in managing dam and reservoir projects required by California’s strict regulatory environment. The firm has previously worked on water infrastructure projects across the state, including various dams and reservoirs that support regional water supply needs.
The Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project stands as a vital step forward for the IRWD, reflecting its role as a pioneer in recycled water systems and setting a global standard with its distinctive ‘purple pipe’ network.
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Additional Resources
- ENR: COWI and GFT Win $25M Contract for Syphon Reservoir Improvement
- Smart Water Magazine: COWI Secures Contract for Syphon Reservoir
- OC Register: Federal Funds for Southern California Drought
- LA Times: Funding for Drought and Clean Drinking Water
- Wikipedia: Water Management in California
Author: Construction CA News
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