The project will allow the City of Gresham and Rockwood Water People’s Utility District (RWPUD) to develop an independent source of water supply and end their current wholesale surface water purchase contracts by 2026.
WSC delivered multiple infrastructure design packages on an aggressive schedule to meet the Cascade Groundwater Alliance timeline of a fully groundwater-supplied system by 2026.
WSC is working in partnership with the Cascade Groundwater Alliance, made up of the City of Gresham (City) and Rockwood Water People’s Utility District (RWPUD), to lead the design of three water main packages as part of the Cascade Groundwater Development Project.
The project will allow the City and RWPUD to develop an independent source of water supply and end their current wholesale surface water purchase contracts by 2026.
The three project packages consist of the cumulative design of nearly four miles of seismically resilient large-diameter raw water and potable water transmission main. This will deliver untreated groundwater to the Cascade Treatment facility and distribute drinking water to more than 130,000 customers.
Much of the water transmission main will be installed in both neighborhoods and heavily-trafficked roadways.
One package of the project includes a trenchless crossing underneath TriMet light-rail tracks and protection of Portland Water Bureau conduits. Several of the packages include new meter stations and modifications to existing stations. The purpose is this: to control the flow and pressure of water delivery between the City and RWPUD.
These projects are schedule-driven and require thoughtful coordination and sequencing with surveying, traffic control, and utilities protection.
To meet the aggressive schedule, WSC employed several unique approaches such as the following:
- Designing pipeline segments in parallel using dedicated teams
- A “quick-start” field survey using aerial drones
- Investigation of direct pipe material procurement to reduce lead times
- Progressive subsurface utility exploration
The team at WSC is proud to have assisted Cascade Groundwater Alliance in achieving local water independence. This is what it means to create a better water future together.