A Commitment to Addressing Water Quality Challenges
- horrocks
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Horrocks is Dedicated to Implementing Innovative Solutions
Water, one of the most valuable resources in the world, is often referred to as “the next gold” due to its critical importance across a wide range of essential uses.
Unfortunately, as we progress further into the 21st century, challenges threaten both the purity and availability of this vital resource globally.
In different parts of the United States, we not only face a shortage of water resources but also a decline in water quality. Many bodies of water throughout the country face challenges to their water quality due to nutrient overload, bacterial contamination, lead contamination, salinity, and overall water scarcity.
Addressing Water Challenges: Horrocks' Role in Effective Resource Management
In recent years, nutrient overload significantly affected bodies of water such as Lake Erie due to agricultural runoff, particularly phosphorus from fertilizers. This led to harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to human health and aquatic life. Similarly, the Colorado River, which supplies water to millions of people in the Southwest, faced significant challenges due to over-extraction and prolonged drought conditions. Increased salinity levels and reduced flow also raised concerns about the Colorado River's ability to be a source for safe drinking water.
These issues highlight the urgent need for effective solutions in water resource management. At Horrocks, we have worked on over 500 municipal projects and collaborated with more than 200 towns, cities, counties, and government agencies in the western United States to provide water resource services and water quality solutions.
Horrocks' Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
To develop effective water resource and water quality solutions, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of these issues.
Key factors impacting water quality include:
Aging infrastructure and the failure to upgrade and maintain water treatment and distribution systems
Contamination due to industrial activity, agricultural practices, and urbanization
Contamination of drinking water sources due to inadequate land use planning and regulations
Lack of regular water quality testing and monitoring programs
Absence of public education on water conservation, pollution prevention, and the responsible use of water resources
To address these challenges, Horrocks actively engages with communities facing water quality issues by implementing innovative water treatment technologies, supporting infrastructure development, and facilitating permitting and protection for wells. We also are committed to creating awareness for communities and stakeholders on what they can do to help improve water quality.
Community Impact in Action: Examples of Our Work
Scofield Well & Well House | Scofield Town, UT
In 2021, Scofield’s once reliable spring went from yielding 80-100 gallons per minute to only 6 gallons per minute. In addition, the electrical system to their existing well failed, leaving the town without a consistent water source. The need for a new well was urgent to provide quality water to their town. Horrocks worked with Scofield Town, requesting emergency financial assistance from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to construct a new well, well house, and transmission line.
To address Scofield’s water challenges, Horrocks:
Evaluated existing sources to identify capacity and limitations
Sited a new well to secure a long-term supply
Delivered design and permitting services, moving the project forward
Obtained nearly $1M in federal grant funding from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to design, drill, and construct a new well and well house
Orient Water Treatment Plant Improvement | Orient, WA
Orient Water Company’s aging and failing water system control equipment was in need of replacement. Horrocks completed a project report, detailing treatment system improvements for the 100,000-gallon-per-day water treatment plant.
These improvements recommended included:
Replaced steel piping in the control room with new C-900 PVC piping
Replaced an outdated and failing propeller flow meter and existing chlorination pump
Installed a larger-capacity chlorination mixing tank, a new pump, and pressurized water supply line
Installed a free chlorine analyzer at the contact basin inflow
Provided design options for a new control panel in the control room
United World College USA | Montezuma, NM
United World College USA (UWC USA) engaged Horrocks to undertake several crucial projects in response to the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Our team analyzed the fire's impact on the water system and surrounding watershed, researching and compiling necessary documentation for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding.
Additionally, the team:
Conducted a thorough water quality assessment to evaluate potential impacts on UWC USA's water sources.
Compiled findings and recommendations into a final report including solutions for repairs. Enabled immediate irrigation by designing a new pump and connection from the river to the existing system, utilizing an existing water right.
Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District’s Water Treatment Plant | Vernal, UT
Horrocks designed and provided construction management services for Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District’s 8-MGD water treatment facility at the mouth of Ashley Gorge to upgrade the safety features and improve the processes. New buildings were constructed along with a new clear-well, a sludge decanting basin, and drying beds. The plant was designed to accommodate the addition of another 2-MGD treatment module. Additionally, Horrocks helped the District with funding assistance and future system planning.
Horrocks is committed to working alongside communities and stakeholders to build a sustainable future where water quality is prioritized, and our vital water resources are protected for generations to come.
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