Protecting a City's Drinking Water Supply Client: New York City Department of Environmental Protection Project: Croton Watershed Location: New York, NY   To develop an integrated strategy to protect the Croton watershed — which encompasses 600 square miles with 12 reservoirs — New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hired Malcolm Pirnie to identify potential contaminant risks that could impact the watershed system. We combined quantitative fate-and-transport modeling with qualitative risk-based modeling to help DEP prioritize and institute appropriate management strategies and controls throughout the region. These modeling tools were applied in a Geographic Information System which allows DEP to compare current and future development scenarios and potential risks to water safety and quality. Read more...

Moving Toward Renewable Water Resources Client: Tucson Water Project: Clearwater Renewable Resource Facility Location: Tucson, AZ To reduce its reliance on limited groundwater supplies and meet regulations requiring the use of renewable water resources, the city of Tucson, Arizona, hired Malcolm Pirnie to design and build an innovative $60-million facility. Now, 54-89 mgd of Colorado River water — whose poor quality, even after treatment, had provoked outrage in the community  — infiltrates and recharges the regional Avra Valley aquifer, easing the city’s water supply concerns. We also developed an extensive outreach and public relations program to gain widespread community support for this high-visibility project. Read more...