Future of Buffalo’s Water System
On September 1997 the City of Buffalo commissioned AmericanAnglian Environmental Technology (AAET) to manage the Buffalo Water Authority. AAET was a joint venture between American Water (the largest US water utility) and Anglian Water. Together, they operate over 1000 treatment plants, servicing 13 million people in 5 continents. In 1999 American Water took over Anglian Water’s interest in AAET and the company was renamed American Water Services, Inc. ™ and in 2004 became American Water.
To insure continuing quality and safety in our communities’ water supply, the Buffalo Water Board plans the following improvements to our treatment & distribution systems in 2006
· Filter rehabilitation: More effective backwash will increase water quality and lower its cost.
· Continuing the Metering Program & Leak Detection
· Homeland Security: Security upgrades including doors, windows, fencing & surveillance cameras.
· Pump & Motor rehabilitation: Better water pressure control will reduce water main breaks.
· South Basin Rehabilitation (Baffle Curtains): Allowing more effective sludge removal.
· Expanded reporting ability for turbidity monitoring system: allowing enhanced historical data logging.
· Ongoing installation of “Radio Read Meters” for commercial & industrial customers; improves efficiency of meter reading and billing.
· Increase in capitol program to replace ageing water mains: improving water quality and flows.
· SCADA upgrade at the Filter Plant: Optimizing control over water treatment systems