Town of Palm Beach memo outlines costs for private irrigation water supply systems

TRS pe ; TOWN OF PALM BEACH MEMORANDUM TO: Paul Brazil, Director of Public Works FROM: James M. Bowser, Town Engineer HD RE: Private Irrigation Water Supply Systems DATE: January 22, 2009 Town staff was asked to look into what it would cost for a "typical" Palm Beach homeowner to construct their own independent irrigation water supply system. This is not an easy question and would take a fairly detailed analysis from one of our water consultants that time and funding has not permitted. Town staff has had several discussions with our consultants and the results of these discussions revealed the following. - A 12 acre site in Manalapan constructed its' own water supply system using Floridan Aquifer, total price, between $400,000 and $450,000. - Floridan water well permits for individual owners are possible, but wells cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to construct due to the 1200 to 1400 foot depths. These wells are not necessarily drought proof. - Shallow salt water wells are possible and would provide a water supply that would not have restrictions. Dig too shallow, and the water will be aerobic and hydrogen sulfide is present, requiring a chlorination system. Dig deeper, you would get to an anaerobic zone that avoids the hydrogen sulfide. These salt water aquifers will require a higher degree of treatment, costing more than a Floridan source. - Treatment facilities will need to be sized to irrigation demand. To minimize treatment capacity, storage is needed. A pressurized system will need to be built. If requested, several scenario's can be developed and priced. - Electrical service and treatment facility housing needs will be tailored to the system design. - Ballpark, the cheapest systems will likely exceed $100,000 with ongoing operation and maintenance costs, c. Peter Elwell, Town Manager Sarah Hannah, Assistant Town Manager HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016667