DPU Projects

Abiquiu Unit #3 Draft Tube Repair

The existing draft tube on unit #3 in Abiquiu has been experiencing wear from cavitation created by the dissolved oxygen injection system. It is scheduled for replacement.

Booster Station Building Renovations

Several buildings housing wells and booster stations in our Water Production system need roof, floor, HVAC and structural repairs. Through this project, we will identify the most urgent needs and address them. Most of the facilities in the system were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Convert Effluent Wash-Water to Gravity

Treated effluent is used for wash-water at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant to conserve potable water. To accomplish this, a booster station pressurizes the effluent and distributes it throughout the plant. The booster station requires a high amount of maintenance and will soon require refurbishment. This project will allow effluent water to be piped to the plant via gravity, eliminating

Design of New Water Well at Overlook Park

Due to the loss of water supply from Pajarito Well No. 3, which was taken offline due to groundwater contamination, and the need to plan for projected increases in water use by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Los Alamos County, preparation to permit and construct a new water supply well is necessary. Budgeted funds will cover the engineering and hydrologist services to design a new exploratory

East Gate Lift Station Rehabilitation

The East Gate Lift Station in the Bayo Canyon receives wastewater from the Camino Entrada/Pajarito Cliffs area. It has been experiencing an increased number of failures, resulting in overflows. The station’s pumps and control panel will be replaced. The lift station will also be upgraded with SCADA to notify operators of overflow risk with high-level alarms.

Foxtail Flats: Solar Power and Battery Storage

This project consists of two agreements that will put Los Alamos County on an accelerated trajectory toward meeting its goal to be a net carbon-neutral energy provider by 2040.

Condition Assessment of El Vado & Abiquiu Hydroelectric Plants

A consultant will perform comprehensive condition assessments of both the Abiquiu and El Vado Hydroelectric plants, to include the turbines, generators and all support systems.

Jemez Mountain Regional Fire Protection Project (JMFPP)

This project will construct a new water system for fire protection, snowmaking, and Camp May campground water service.

Long-Range Water Supply Plan Update

The Long-Range Water Supply Plan, which was last updated in January 2018, is typically updated every 10-15 years or when there are significant changes in water demand. The plan is a requirement of the Office of the State Engineer for DPU to be eligible for state-funded grants and to protect unused water rights. Since the last update, we have shut down our highest producing water well due to ground

Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

The Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant was commissioned in 2004 and has been in operation for 20 years. The equipment at the plant has maintenance issues and is nearing its life expectancy. With several items needing to be addressed, DPU will apply for a $2,000,000 Rural Infrastructure Program (RIP) loan to fund these projects together.

Natural Gas Pipeline Repair & Replacement

Repairs and replacements in the natural gas system system are being made throughout the year.

North Community Backyard Sewer Mains and Services

In the first phase of a multi-phase project, segments of sewer lines in North Community will be repaired or replaced.

North Community Backyard Sewer Mains & Services R&R - Phase 1

DPU will repair or replace segments of the sewer lines in North Community that have proven to be recurring problems and threaten to overflow. This will be the first of multiple phases over the next three fiscal years.

Overhead System Replacement

Many components of the utility’s overhead electric infrastructure operate near or past their useful life, which is greater than 50 years. The department’s Asset Management Program prioritizes O&M projects based on the following.
• Root cause analysis after power outages
• Quarterly line patrols
• Year-end assessments

Pipeline Repair & Replacement / Equipment

Miscellaneous improvements will be made to the natural gas system throughout the year. The nature of work includes leak repairs, pressure regulating station improvements, valve replacements and other unforeseen issues which may occur through the year and require contractor support.

Quemazon Lift Station Rehabilitation

The oldest lift station in the Quemazon subdivision is in need of rehabilitation.

Repair Concrete Cracks in Aeration Basin

The concrete aeration basins at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant have developed cracks that must be repaired.

Replace Overhead Electrical Distribution Lines

This ongoing utilities program includes replacement of aging overhead electrical infrastructure, such as power poles, cross-arms, and revamps (wire & transformer upgrades).

San Ildefonso Road 8” Waterline Replacement

DPU will manage replacement of approximately 4,600 linear feet of 8" cast iron pipe with new 12" PVC pipeline along San Ildefonso Road. The existing 8" pipe is aged and deteriorated and regularly requires repairs. The new 12" pipeline will increase the water supply to the North Mesa, improve reliability and fire protection, and add additional capacity to serve two proposed large housing developmen

Townsite 14” Pipeline Replacement – Phase 1

DPU will oversee replacement of approximately 6,700 linear feet of 14" steel pipe installed in 1949 with a new 14" ductile iron pipe along NM-502. The existing 14" steel pipe is aged and deteriorated and experiences regular leaks. This line is a critical transmission line that conveys water from Otowi Well #4 to the Townsite area of Los Alamos.

Trinity Drive Gas Valve Replacement

Aged gas valves in Trinity Drive between Knecht Street and 20th Street are being replaced.

U.S.F.S Land Transfers

Los Alamos County has a collection agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to convey six parcels of land containing 365.3 acres that are owned by the U.S. Forest Service. DPU is finalizing the environmental work required prior to the conveyance. The cost of the parcels will be split 50% by the general county and 50% by the DPU. The DPU owns multiple water production facilities on these parcels. Acc

Replace underground electrical distribution

The underground residential electric distribution system contains 1970s infrastructure which was direct-buried and is therefore in direct contact with the earth. Portions or segments of the underground system which have experienced three or more failures are targeted for replacement because they will fail again.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Belt Press Replacement

The belt press at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant will be replaced with different, more efficient equipment.

WWTP Fine Screen Replacement

The fine screen at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant will be replaced.

Water Production SCADA Fiber Optics Project

The existing SCADA system was installed in the early 1990s and will be replaced because it is proprietary and at the end of its service life. Many of the components are no longer supported and cannot be repaired or replaced. The new system will be developed with open-architecture software which does not require a proprietary service provider. The communication system will be replaced with a fiber

Water Production Tank Piping Upgrades

Water production infrastructure will be replaced, rehabilitated, phased out or reconfigured.

Water System SCADA Replacement

Installed in the early 1990s, the current SCADA system is being replaced.

White Rock Irrigation Pond Cover

The effluent non-potable water from the White Rock Water Resource Reclamation Facility (WRRF) fills the Overlook Irrigation Booster Pond. This water is used to irrigate the ballfields in White Rock. In the summer months, algae growth and sediment/debris accumulate in the pond and then plugs the ballfield sprinkler heads. The pond cover will minimize algae growth and sediment.

White Rock Piedra Loop Underground Replacement

Direct buried conductors will be replaced with new conductors in conduit, along with new switches and new transformers in the Piedra Loop neighborhood in White Rock.