Water Treatment Plant Project

The water treatment plant and piping project was completed in November 2007. The plant is exceeding expectations.

Visitors to the WTP are welcome, contact Public Works at 785 726 4741 to schedule!
These photos of filters from a private residence located in the southern part of Ellis in the area of Ellis High School were brought to city hall by Norbert Windholz of KDHE.  The resident was questioning the effectiveness of the new water treatment plant.  The first set of photos are from the individual's home one year BEFORE the water treatment plant was online and six months (June 2008) after the treatment plant went online.  Mr. Windholz advised the individual the lines would be sloughing off (flushing old sediment inside the mains) and to bring back filters six months later (January 2009--one year after startup).  The second photo clearly indicates the water treatment plant is performing as designed, removing the iron & manganese from the water.
 
   

Walters-Morgan Construction Company received statewide recognition for their work on the City of Ellis Water Treatment Plant recently the Kansas Contractors Association announced the award KCA/Environmental Utilities Division Recognition of Excellence in Public Works during the annual convention of its members January 24 and 25 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. Contractors, suppliers, service providers and government officials with an interest in the heavy, highway and utility construction industry gathered from across the state to conduct business and recognize the significant achievements in infrastructure development. 

Each year, contractors that have demonstrated excellence for their work in Kansas are nominated to win awards from the member association. Criteria for the award include completing the project on time and within the budget with a project that has a significant impact on the community. Other conditions for winning include completing the project with a safety record that falls within the national average and is without claims or litigation. “We are pleased to be recognized for the Ellis project,” commented Scott Mueller, company president. The hard working individuals who contributed to the successful completion of this water treatment plant have made a lasting impact on the heath and well-being of this community. While we take pride in the work we do every day, it is always nice to have the approval of our business partners and peers.

The American Public Works Association selected the City of Ellis to receive the Kansas Chapter APWA 2008 Public Works Project of the Year Award for Water System Improvements-Environment category of less than $5 million. The award was presented to the City of Ellis, Wilson & Company, Engineers & Walters Morgan-Morgan Construction Inc,, General Contractor on May 14th, at the as part of the APWA Conference Awards banquet held at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita.  Present to accept the award were Mayor Dave McDaniel, Water Plant Operator Matt Windholz, and City Clerk Mary Jo Walz, Brian Spano of Wilson & Company; Jim Perkins and Nathan Galle of Walters & Morgan Construction.

Prior to the completion of the new water treatment facility, the City of Ellis’water supply came from eight wells that delivered a wide range of water quality and had high iron and manganese concentrations. The City needed a state of the art water treatment facility to supply good quality water to the city. The City opted to pursue a fast track design build approach for its project delivery system. This would ensure quick delivery of an operating treatment facility that would economically incorporate all the desired aspects. Ellis had never before utilized the design build process as a project delivery system. The City hired Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects, as the design engineer and Layne Christensen as the treatment equipment supplier. To select a contractor, the City used a competitive selection process, requesting proposals and presentations from contractors. Walters-Morgan presented a Guaranteed Maximum Price approach and was awarded the construction contract. The project consisted of adding two new collection wells, connecting those two wells and the six existing wells to a new 22,000 linear foot collection system, the addition of 6,000 linear feet to the distribution lines, and construction of a 1.5 MGD treatment plant. The treatment plant consisted of a 55’x 33’ below-grade concrete clear well and an 80’x80’metal building constructed on spread footings and stem walls.

 

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