Water Infrastructure Upgrades Powered by Solar PV
Round Mountain Water & Sanitation District (RMWSD) was ready to implement water infrastructure upgrades by developing a water metering plan to replace aging water meters and meter reading systems with automated metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. In addition to replacing their failing well, RMWSD wanted to implement solar photovoltaics (PV) to offset the cost of electricity for pumping the water.
The Iconergy team supported the district to be awarded a grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and a low-interest rate loan from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Drinking Water Revolving Fund. This project was completed under an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) agreement and utilized the Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program which includes support from the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).
The Investment Grade Audit (IGA) we conducted confirmed that the implementation of AMI water meters, replacement of the failing well with a newer, more reliable well, and installation of a solar PV system were in compliance with the requirements of the EPC contract and would accrue the savings needed for a successful project.
Our IGA estimated the cost for implementation and potential for increased revenue of implementing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) throughout the town. The system included new ultrasonic water meters, a cellular reporting system, and a new customer billing system that integrates with RMWSD’s billing system.
To upgrade the water delivery and treatment system to comply with current state requirements, a new well was drilled to replace the failing well. The new well includes a new well house, well pump, and chlorine contact chamber to meet health and safety regulations and has increased pumping efficiency which has reduced energy costs.
A 50-kW ground-mounted fixed-tilt system was installed with the expectation that it would provide most of the new well’s electricity consumption.
Our team performed commissioning services for the newly installed AMI water meters, the new solar PV system, and the operation of the new well, which included a well control system, chlorine disinfection system, exhaust fan, electric heaters, lighting, emergency generator, and valves.
