Culinary Water System Improvements – Garden City, UT

Project Background

For much of the year, the Town of Garden City is a quiet resort town with fewer than 500 full-time residents, nestled along the shores of Bear Lake, known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” However, during the summer, the population swells as tens of thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the area’s outdoor recreation, placing a heavy demand on the town’s culinary water system.

Culinary Water System Challenges

To address the strain caused by seasonal population growth, a comprehensive culinary water master plan was developed. This plan identified key improvements needed to ensure the system could reliably serve both residents and visitors.

Identified System Improvements

The planning process outlined the following necessary upgrades:

• Purchase of a developer-built 1.0 MG storage tank

• Upgrades to two existing Booster Pump Stations (BPS)

• Construction of six new Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) stations

• Conversion of an existing BPS into a PRV station

• Installation of over 5,000 feet of new waterline to improve looping and pressure zone interconnections

• Replacement of more than 3,000 feet of deteriorating 24” transmission line

• Installation of SCADA systems for improved operations at all new and existing components

Project Funding

To execute these improvements, the Town secured over $4.5 million in USDA funding, with approximately 27% provided as a grant and the remainder as a USDA-Rural Development (RD) loan.

Storage and Distribution Enhancements

The acquisition of the 1.0 MG storage tank not only increased storage capacity but also enabled better service coverage through system interconnections and new PRV stations. This alleviated pressure on other system areas, enhancing overall performance.

Booster Pump Station Upgrades

The two BPS facilities, originally equipped with 5 HP pumps, were upgraded with new piping and larger pumps (30 HP and 50 HP) to meet peak seasonal demands. The 5 HP pumps remain in place for handling lower flow needs.

Transmission Line Replacement

A significant section of the aging 24” ductile iron transmission line was re-routed and replaced with durable PVC piping. The new alignment reduced leakage, shortened the Swan Creek crossing, and placed the line in a more accessible location, resulting in considerable water savings.

Operational Improvements

The installation of SCADA systems across all new and existing infrastructure components improved operational efficiency, allowing the Town to better monitor and manage its water system.

Outcome

With these upgrades, Garden City’s culinary water system is now well-equipped to meet the demands of both its year-round residents and the influx of summer visitors for many years to come.