Engineer Brad Hammond told the Carroll-Boone Water board last week he was preparing for a Master Plan update as they had authorized, and warned of the need for updating generators. One at the west plant is 33 years old, far beyond what should be expected, and two generators need to be updated to the standard of Tier 4, which will cost $2.2 million. Hammond recommended the board act as soon as is practical.
Board chair James Yates mentioned adding new generators might add to the life of the older ones still in operation, and engineer Chris Hall countered that not all operations they will need can be handled by the older generators.
Hammond said Eureka Springs is considering servicing customers near Beaver Lake, and Harrison is courting a large customer, which would mean more demand at the end of the line. Green Forest is increasing usage to the point it will rival Harrison, and Berryville is laying water lines to supply rural customers.
With these factors fed into their model, Hammond recommended the district consider preparing to add another 5000 ft. of ductile pipe to meet the demands of Green Forest at a cost of $2.2 million. They will need another intake pump, pushing the total of this phase $4.7 million.
In maybe 10 years, the district would need to lay another 10,000 ft. of ductile pipe, and 10 years beyond that the project would be the need for another 21,000 ft. beyond Berryville. Hammond said it would be important to watch where increased usage occurs so they can plan accordingly, and office manager Cathy Klein added it would be wise to watch interest rates to pick the best time for expansion.