Willett, Hofmann & Associates was hired to design the radium reduction facilities for Wells No. 7 & 9 for the City of Dixon.  The work consisted of the construction of two separate waterworks buildings, each housing two 750 GPM pressure filters, chemical rooms and equipment, connecting watermain, backwash facilities, sanitary sewer, electrical, controls, HVAC, and all pavement restoration.

The City of Dixon has seven wells (Wells No. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) that work with five elevated storage tanks consisting of four 250,000 gallon (Wells 6, 7, 8, and 9), one 300,000 gallon (Well No. 10), and a new 1.25 MG reservoir (Wells No. 3 and 5).  Their daily average usage is 2,450,000 gallon with a maximum day usage of 4,400,000 gallons and a pumping capacity of 12,240,000 gallons. 

This work was the first of three phases in designing and constructing Radium Reduction Facilities  for the City of Dixon waterworks system. Wells 7 & 9 were exceeding the allowed MCL for radium, and the other wells were close to the allowable limits.  Design for Wells 6, 7, 8 & 9 is complete, with construction of the filter facilities at wells 7 & 9 almost complete. Start-up of the facilities is scheduled for the Fall of 2008.  Phase II consists of constructing Radium Reduction facilities for Wells 6 and 8 which is scheduled for bidding and award in January 2009.  WHA is currently working on the third phase which will provide Radium Reduction Facilities for Wells 3 and 5.

Work started with a complete Alternative Treatment Pilot Study and Feasibility Report that covered all three phases of the project.  Upon review and City approval the report was modified into a Project Planning Document for submittal and approval from the IEPA and the Public Water Supply Revolving Fund Loan Program. The planning document detailed the design criteria, evaluated the existing water system, evaluated alternative designs, discussed user charges and proposed an implementation schedule.   

WHA designed the water treatment facilities, connecting water main, backwash facilities with sanitary sewer connections, well and filter buildings with all appurtenances (electrical controls, SCADA, chemical feed system with separate rooms, restroom, piping, valves, etc.) for a complete radium reduction facility. 

WHA also assisted the City in applying for a Public Water Supply Facilities loan through the IEPA.  The City received a 20-year $5,217,000 loan for Phase I and is in the process of receiving a 20-year $5,000,000 loan for Phase II.  Phase III is estimated at $5,000,000 and will also be financed through the IEPA Pubic Water Supply Revolving Fund Loan Program.  We would be happy to further update you on this project as it progresses.