To resolve ice blockage and water quality issues for Elyria Water Treatment Plant, a water intake
study was conducted in the summer of 2007, focusing on developing and evaluating new intake
alternatives. Information required for alternative development was acquired through public data
search, offshore investigation, and model simulation. Model results and water column analysis
indicated improved average raw water quality at the new intake site (3000 feet offshore)
compared with the current intake site (1300 feet offshore). Water quality monitoring implied that
water quality in the new site may be fluctuant during storm events.
Based on lake conditions and intake requirements, two alternative intake designs were
investigated: extending the existing intake pipe to 3000 feet offshore and installing a new crib;
and, installing a new, larger intake pipe and crib. Economic and non-economic criteria were
adopted to evaluate and compare these two alternatives. The results of the alternative evaluation
showed that although the extension alternative has lower construction cost, the new intake pipe
alternative will significantly improve the system capacity, reliability, and flexibility. Design
criteria were also discussed in this study in order to provide a practical evaluation of the intake
alternatives. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.