LIHWAP water assistance program will reopen July 10th, 2023 and CLOSE August 11, 2023. (6/12/23 published)
LIHWAP Application HSWA 1 July to August 2023
(applications received PRIOR to 7/10/23 and after 08/11/23 will be denied)
BEDMINSTER MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (6/9/23 published)
SUMMARY OF ONGOING WATER SYSTEM PROJECTS
Stonebridge – Pennland Farms Water Systems Interconnection Project
Project involves the interconnection of the Stonebridge and Pennland Farms water systems through the construction of a 12-inch main (815 linear feet) in Scott and Smith School Roads along with booster pumps and control modifications at the Pennland Farms Water Booster Station. Currently, the systems are not interconnected and operate independent of each other. Interconnecting the systems will provide redundancy of facilities in each system and allow flexibility in their operation. This is particularly important during emergency conditions or during periods of maintenance requiring a shutdown of facilities such as tanks, wells, or distribution piping.
The project has been executed in two contracts: water main construction and booster pump/control modifications at the Pennland Farms Water Booster Station.
Water Main Construction: The BMA awarded a contract to DOLI Construction at their meeting on September 23, 2021. In December 2021, the water main was completed. The total cost of the contract was $182,379.
Booster Pump Replacement and Control Modifications: A COSTARS proposal was received February 21, 2022 from Eastern Environmental Contractors, Inc. for the replacement of two (2) pumps and control modifications. The proposal amount was $164,700. The BMA approved the proposal at their meeting on February 24, 2022. Due to supply-chain issues, the delivery of pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and controls has been significantly delayed. Delivery of equipment was received late-May 2023. Installation of pumps began May 30, 2023. Installation of controls to begin shortly.
The combined construction costs total $347,079. The BMA received a PA Small Water and Sewer Program grant in the amount of $319,136 to help fund the project.
Stonebridge Water Booster Station – Replacement of VFDs
The Stonebridge Water Booster Station contains a jockey pump and five (5) variable speed pumps supplying water the primary water distribution system of the Bedminster Municipal Authority. This project involves the replacement of three (3) of the five (5) Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) controlling power supplied to the pump motors. These VFDs are older drives in need of replacement and include the following:
- Two (2) of the three (3) High Service Pump VFDs rated at 100 hp, 480v, 3-phase.
- One (1) Low Service Pump VFD rated at 40 hp VFD, 480v, 3-phase.
The project will help resolve VFD failures recently experienced at the station which then result in brief drops in pressure. Those drops in pressure are believed to cause a disturbance in the water distribution piping resulting in discolored water. Replacement of the VFDs will help minimize those instances.
At their meeting on May 26, 2022, the BMA Board accepted Eastern Environmental Contractor, Inc.’s COSTAR proposal to supply and install the specified VFDs for a price of $86,640.00. Due to supply-chain issues, the delivery of the VFDs had been significantly delayed. Delivery of equipment was received mid-May 2023. Installation of the VFDs began May 15, 2023. One of the high service pumps VFDs has been installed. The Contractor is currently working on resolving control communication issues. Installation of remaining VFDs to resume shortly.
Hydraulic Modeling of the Water System
At their meeting on May 25, 2023, the BMA Board accepted CKS Engineers’ proposal to create a hydraulic model of the Authority’s water system which includes the Stonebridge and Pennland Farms systems. The proposal also included an evaluation of the system to address two (2) items:
- Evaluate alternatives to address the “discolored water” issues in the Stonebridge system due to a loss of pressure. These alternatives are to ensure pressure is maintained during pump operation/cycling. For example, alternatives will include the addition of a recirculation/pressure maintaining pump, or a tank in the system.
- Confirm the interconnection to be implemented between the Stonebridge and Pennland systems.
Work has commenced on the hydraulic model. The cost of the hydraulic model is $22,900. Completion is anticipated by the end of December 2023.
Stonebridge Water Booster Station – Iron & Manganese Treatment Project
The project involves the installation of a Greensand Filter System at the Stonebridge Water Booster Station for the removal of Iron and Manganese. Iron and Manganese are naturally occurring elements in the groundwater supply of the Stonebridge system.
Although sample results for Iron and Manganese are below PADEP water quality limits, and the BMA currently treats for Iron and Manganese by the addition of a sequestering agent due to a concern that Iron and Manganese are the reason for discolored water in the distribution system, CKS Engineers was requested to evaluate the feasibility and cost for the installation of the greensand filter system. In an email dated January 18, 2023, CKS outlined the feasibility and construction costs. The estimated construction cost is $816,240 which includes the installation of three (3) vessel systems and the repurposing of the former (unused) booster pump building on the Stonebridge Water Booster Station site. At their meeting on May 25, 2023, the BMA Board authorized CKS to proceed with the design and bidding of the treatment system.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM UPGRADE (06/05/23 published)
We are upgrading the Emergency Notification System on July 1, 2023 to include text messaging and emails, as well as phone calls, to better communicate with the residents. We will have a portal on our website for you to update your contact information to include your cell phone for text messages and your email address to receive emails. Include as much or as little information as you want to be notified. It is imperative that a good phone number, at the very least, is on the notification system so that we can notify you of an emergency.
HYDRANT PAINTING (06/05/23 published)
During the summer months, we have someone painting the hydrants through out the township. This is to keep the hydrants neat, as well as noticeable in case of emergency. If you see anyone walking around near the hydrants they are painting them.
New Authority Address
The Authority office address is 442 Elephant Road, Perkasie, PA 18944. We have the convenience of a DRIVE UP drop box to drop your payments off! You can always pay online anytime in the convenience of your own home! Please make sure you are mailing your payment to the correct address: 442 Elephant Road, Perkasie, PA 18944!
