Water Supply Yields Power

by Richard Metzger, Sr. Proj. Engr.; O'Brien & Gere Engrs., Inc., Syracuse, NY,
Joanne B. Stobnicki, Technical Writer; O'Brien & Gere Engrs., Inc., Syracuse, NY,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1988, Vol. 58, Issue 5, Pg. 60-62


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

During an overall renovation of the water supply system in Pittsfield, Mass. it was decided to bring water from three of the town's four reservoirs to a single treatment plant at Ashley Reservoir. The difference in elevation between Ashley and Farnham Reservoir is 245-305 feet. Instead of installing pressure reducing valves, the engineers installed a unique two-stage, Francis-style turbine with adjustable wicker gates. The turbine is housed just upstream from the treatment plant, and provides all electricity needed by that plant plus excess that is sold to the local utility for about $6,000 a year. Pittsfield's capital investment for the hydro plant was $280,000, supplemented by an $85,000 grant from the Massachusetts Alternative Energy Project.

Subject Headings: Water treatment plants | Water supply systems | Hydro power | Water supply | Reservoirs | Turbines | Power plants

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