Habersham County Water Authority
New Pump Station Relieves Drought-Ridden Areas
In the heart of a drought-stricken area, Habersham County (GA) Water Authority found itself in need of additional water sources for the cities and towns in its jurisdiction. Fortunately a neighboring city, Toccoa, had extra resources and contracted with Habersham County to provide one million gallons of water per day with the possibility to increase up to three million gallons per day, as needed. With seven months to build a new pumping station, lay five miles of pipe and bring everything online, water officials contracted with Patterson for a Flo-Pak® prepackaged pumping system housed in an all-steel, above grade enclosure. The system includes two close-coupled end suction pumps—each engineered to produce 585 gpm at 295 tdh—with provisions for a third pump as more water is needed. These pumps were selected for their increased efficiency in a smaller footprint, bringing substantial savings both in installation and ongoing operation costs. The completed factory-built pump station was delivered to the site well before the deadline and was ready for testing within 48 hours. “Testing went very well with only minor adjustments,” said Terry Purcell, Public Utilities Director for Habersham County, “and the pumps continue to perform as specified.” This additional water source will also allow the Habersham County Water Authority to become a wholesaler of water to other drought-affected cities.