Project Description:

SPEC performed the electrical and control systems engineering and design for the upgrade of the 4,400 gpm surface water treatment plant supplying domestic water to the Cities of Calipatria and Niland and the adjacent State Prison, and an in-line booster pump station on the Calipatria to Niland pipeline. SPEC was responsible for the upgrade, relocation, and coordination of the incoming electric utility service from Imperial Irrigation District; integration to the power system of two standby generators; power distribution within the plant including VFD starters for the treated booster pumps that modulate the pressures and flow rates of the distribution system; electrical and control systems including the SCADA equipment and plant PLC; plant exterior lighting and grounding; and the SCADA system between the three sites.

Project Challenge: The detailed engineering and design work had to be done with the plant in operation to maintain water supply to GSWC’s clients. The design of the final plant construction was also planned to minimize plant shutdown during the cut-over from the existing system to the new.