Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Irrigation | Aurora, CO

Aurora, CO

overview

To irrigate the new 40-acre regional destination park at the fairgrounds site, the County explored options for water sources. We helped them explore cost analysis for using non-potable water, domestic water, and taking advantage of their current ownership of aquifer groundwater. It was decided to construct a new deep-water well reaching the aquifer for irrigation purposes. We led the team of consultants including Water Resource Engineers, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineers, and Structural Engineers to bring the system to life.

To get additional benefits from this natural resource, the water system was designed to include an above-ground stream feature running through the regional park for the public to enjoy. The stream provides a natural environment for kids to explore and get a little muddy, a pastime of many lost in our newer communities. At the end of the stream is the first of two water storage ponds. The ponds provide additional interaction with nature, support wildlife, and aquatic critters, and are sized to support the site's irrigation demand. An irrigation pumping station at the lower pond provides flow and pressure needed to irrigate the site within the watering window.

The site's large size made it a great choice for a 2-wire system. The 2-wire system substantially reduced the amount of copper wire needed and provides ease of future expansion. Maintenance and troubleshooting are considerably less than sites of this size with traditionally wired systems. The Owner is able to focus on critical things at the Fairgrounds and allow the irrigation to run reliably.