Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority has been in operation since 1991 and provides drinking water to more than 900,000 people throughout Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties in Florida. The Integrated Loop System Phase 1 Interconnect Project was bid in late 2018 and began in early 2019.
Reynolds Construction was the low bidder on the project and partnered with McWane Ductile to supply the Ductile iron pipe. Throughout the project’s design and construction, we worked closely with Reynolds Construction, Ardurra Group, and members of the authority to ensure they received the highest-quality pipe available.
Bringing Safe Drinking Water to Thousands
The project consisted of approximately 29,000 linear feet of 24” Ductile iron pipe, which was a mixture of Tyton® Joint and TR Flex® pipe. The pipe was laid primarily along US 17 (Desoto County), Washington Loop Road, and Three Rivers Road. The potable water transmission main originated at the Desoto County South Booster Pump Station (near the Desoto/Charlotte County line), and then was laid south along US 17.
Later, it turned east onto Washington Loop Road and then south again along Three Rivers Road, where it crosses the Shell Creek and continues south to the Shell Creek Water Treatment Facility in Punta Gorda.
An Up-Close View of the Project
The authority holds an annual Friends of Peace River barbecue each spring. In 2019, the event took place around the same time construction began. Attendees had the opportunity to get an up-close view of a pipe joint being installed, ask questions directly to those involved with the project, and sign the commemorative wrap that encased the displayed pipe joint.
"We displayed our pipe’s joint at the barbecue, which was a nice way to kick off the project. It was well attended by local representatives and residents from the various counties that utilize the water the authority provides," said Gary Gula.
Ensuring the Job Was Done Right
Prior to construction and during the project, McWane Ductile representatives held various on-site training days to share product knowledge and helpful installation tips. The Reynolds Construction staff were very pleased with the experience of working so closely with the manufacturer during the installation process.
Ardurra Group out of Tampa, Florida, was the engineer of record and worked closely with everyone involved to ensure their client would receive only the highest quality products available through their specification and submittal process. Reynolds Construction received its certificate of substantial completion in August of 2020, with the project coming to full completion in September 2020.
“This project has been a joint effort with all parties involved working toward the same goal of providing the highest quality products, engineering, and water service to hundreds of thousands of people.” - Gary Gula
AMWA Recognizes Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority for Utility Management Achievement
(Excerpted from a News Release Published October 21, 2020) The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) presented its 2020 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award to the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority on October 13 at its 2020 Executive Management Conference. The award represents the highest level of water utility management achievement and was presented to only nine public drinking water systems across the U.S.
“In an unprecedented year for this nation, these systems are at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to the multiple challenges a global pandemic, extreme weather events, and infrastructure gaps are creating,” said AMWA President Steve Schneider, General Manager of Saint Paul Regional Water Services. “By supplying their communities with clean, safe, and affordable drinking water, these water utilities are helping to safeguard the nation’s health.”
AMWA awards recognize the exceptional performance of public drinking water utilities where management vision and employee commitment create sustainable utilities producing ample supplies of clean, safe drinking water. The Sustainable Water Utility Management Award spotlights efforts of water utilities implementing long-term and innovative economic, environmental, and social endeavors. To view the entire News Release, click here.
Need Assistance with Your Waterworks Project?
If you have any questions or require additional information requiring Ductile iron pipe, please feel free to contact your local McWane Ductile representative. We have team members who've managed small and large water utility systems, served in engineering consulting firms, and bring decades of experience in solving field issues involving pipeline construction and operation. From design to submittal, to installation, we strive to provide education and assistance to water professionals throughout the water and wastewater industry.
