Incorporated in 1989, the town of Queen Creek is a vibrant community just outside of the Phoenix metro area, in both Maricopa and Pinal counties. With a population of approximately 72,000, Queen Creek covers nearly 42 square miles in its incorporated area and 72 square miles in its planning area. The town’s water service area extends beyond the town’s boundary, serving a total of 120,000 customers.
SOURCE OF WATER FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE
Thirty-three years ago, Queen Creek was a farming and agricultural community. Today, Queen Creek is one of the fastest-growing communities in the southwestern United States. The town has adopted several award-winning plans designed to guide future growth. In its current budget, the town dedicated 66 percent ($323.2 million) toward building and expanding infrastructure for its growing community.
Queen Creek’s drinking water comes primarily from groundwater that is pumped from a combination of twenty-two active drinking water wells, located throughout the water distribution system. The town maintains the statutory 100-year water supply as required in the Phoenix Active Management Area. Additionally, the town is working on a multifaceted approach to diversify its water portfolio in an effort to reduce groundwater pumping.
FROM SOURCE TO PRODUCTION
In 2017, Queen Creek established a Water System Master Plan as a framework for water infrastructure improvements including wells, reservoirs/storage tanks, and booster pump stations.
In 2018, Queen Creek began construction on a 3-million-gallon pre-stressed concrete storage tank, booster pump stations, and related piping electrical equipment. To meet specifications set by Queen Creek, the restraint products needed to be able to withstand 1,500 to 2,000 gallons of groundwater discharging from the wells directly to the storage tanks for treatment.
The HYMAX® Grip Large Diameter (LD) 16-inch restraint coupling was a clear contender due to the installation process improving worker safety, the durability, and the design features—specifically the closing mechanism and GRIP chain.
“The HYMAX Grip LD was an easy installation. It has now been in service for about two years, and we haven’t had any issues such as leaks, or repairs needed,” says Queen Creek Utility Director Paul Gardner.
THE FUTURE AHEAD
Queen Creek is committed to providing the highest quality of water and service in the most economical, safe, reliable, and timely manner. And with the continued interest in the area, more storage facilities and wells are underway.
“We have an additional five or six wells coming online, along with facilities that support them,” shares Gardner. “We have developed an equipment list to standardize inventory for well maintenance and repairs in the future and will continue to ensure we have the best product to ensure safety and efficiency.”
Kalani Portom is territory sales manager for Mueller. Mueller Water Products is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water in North America. The company’s broad product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, metering products and systems, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment. It helps municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service, and prioritize capital spending, demonstrating why Mueller Water Products is “Where Intelligence Meets Infrastructure.” For more information, visit www.muellerwaterproducts.com.
MODERN PUMPING TODAY, July 2023
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