Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
permits, and complete predesigns and final designs. Without the justification provided
by long-term planning, many projects could not be implemented until the level of
service and system reliability had declined to substandard levels. Planning horizons
are typically 5 years or so for short-term planning and 20 years or longer for long-
term planning. Twenty-year or much longer planning horizons are especially important
for systems where new sources are needed.
Finally, water system plans are required by most state government regulators. Many
states also require that these plans be routinely updated. Approved water plans may
be required before operating permits are issued, water rights applications are processed,
or state funding sources are made available to a water utility.
Typical Water Plan Contents
A typical water system plan may contain the following information:
Water system description
•
Water demand forecast
•
Conservation plan
•
Evaluation of sources of supply
•
Water rights assessment
•
Source protection plan
•
Water system analysis
•
Capital improvement plan
•
Financial plan
•
Operation and maintenance plan
•
Other supporting documents
•
The following sections describe some of the items that may be considered during
development of this information.
WATER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The water system description includes a summary of the system history, ownership,
service area characteristics, and infrastructure. Its purpose is to provide a basic un-
derstanding of the system and to establish a foundation for the remainder of the water
plan.
Background and Ownership Information
The system description should characterize the organization and legal ownership of
the system and provide background information, including the type of growth that has
occurred in the past. It should also describe the geographic features that impact service
area and growth. These features may include natural or constructed barriers to service.
