Albion Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

The Village of Albion owns and operates the Albion Water Treatment Plant and distribution system, which has served the community since 1962. As equipment aged and energy efficiency declined, the Village took a proactive approach, prioritizing upgrades that would improve day-to-day operations, reduce maintenance demands, and better manage long-term costs while strengthening overall system performance. Wendel partnered with the Village to guide the work from planning through design and construction, while also supporting grant funding efforts to advance the projects. 

Phased Improvements 

The program was carefully organized into phases to keep the system fully operational during construction. Improvements touched nearly every part of the system, including electrical and control upgrades, high service pumping, Booster Pump Station No. 1, transmission infrastructure, water storage and interconnections, new sedimentation basins, a new filter system and building, and a clearwell. Each phase was designed to build on the next, strengthening the system while replacing aging assets in a practical, cost-conscious way. 

Filtration and Treatment Upgrades 

At the treatment plant, the existing filters had become a clear constraint, limiting overall production capacity. The new filter building resolved this by introducing four high-rate sand filters, every 198 square feet and rated at 1.0 MGD. The updated design allows for deeper media and higher filtration rates, supported by new air scour equipment and blowers. The building was positioned to fit naturally into the existing process, minimizing piping changes and maintaining consistent plant hydraulics. 

Pumping and Storage Improvements 

Upgrades to Booster Pump Station No. 1 focused on improving both performance and efficiency. Two new pumps increased capacity while reducing energy use and simplifying maintenance. Operational flexibility also improved, enabling storage tank bypass during lower-demand periods. The existing 1.0 MG tank was replaced with a new 0.75 MG ground storage tank, sized to better reflect current needs and designed to allow for multiple construction approaches. Additional transmission and interconnection improvements helped strengthen the overall system. 

Systems and Controls 

Targeted upgrades to chemical feed systems, piping, and remote pumping improved system reliability. A modern SCADA system was also introduced, giving operators clearer visibility and more intuitive control over daily operations. Together, these improvements created a more connected, efficient system that is easier to operate and maintain. 

This phased effort brought the Village’s water infrastructure up to current standards, increased system capacity, and set a strong foundation for reliable service moving forward.