Integration Investigation: How Do We Incorporate a New Water Supply into a Growing Water System?

In the interest of further diversifying their water supply, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), a growing water provider, developed a new well field in the Trinity Aquifer. Integration of this new source into an expanding system and pipeline network required an analysis of how the water could be transferred through the system to high demand areas, in conjunction with the existing operating parameters and other water supply sources utilized by NBU. A modeling analysis of the existing distribution pipeline network and future operations was developed to determine the optimal approach to move water through the system. Different options were evaluated to distribute the additional water throughout the system, while maintaining operational flexibility for NBU to supply water through their different supply sources. Examining the quantitative means and methods to move this new water source throughout NBU’s system proved extremely beneficial to NBU and demonstrated the impacts a new water source can have on system operations both short and long term. This paper will discuss the unique requirements of integrating a new water supply into a growing water distribution system, as well as the specific benefits and value that modeling and field testing provides to owners and the Public.