After a careful analysis, the city soon realized it would have to make a sizeable investment to address its wastewater issues. Steps would need to be taken to ensure that Kalispell could continue to carry out the quality of services its residents had come to expect. To tackle the situation, the city again teamed up with Waterworks Industries. "Cost and reliability were the two most important factors to the city when making this important decision," said Emrick. Additionally, since all plant and pump maintenance was handled by Kalispell, a solution that required little attention and that would last for decades was essential.

Solutions That Will Stand the Test of Time
The city of Kalispell required a customized solution that would not only meet its current needs but also looked forward to the future. Due to growth, the city found itself in dire need to increase the size and number of basins - and appropriate technology to manage the increased flow at the wastewater treatment plant. As a result, Kalispell is embarking on an expansion that will place a sixth Gorman-Rupp Super T-Series pump as well as installing variable frequency drives on the city's two fixed speed pumps to keep pace with progress.

At the time of the upgrade planning and review, the city's engineering team also forged ahead on plans to replace a competitor's grit pump in their Headworks building with Gorman-Rupp technology. "We were constantly finding ourselves with the need to rebuild the competitor's pump, and have found Gorman-Rupp technology to be reliable, easy to use and inexpensive to repair," shares Emrick. "It was a logical progression for us when the update came up. Since installing the GR we have not had any difficulties."
 
Today, all controls at the lift station are managed tightly using a Micro-Logic processor, which not only controls the lift station, but also alerts Plant Operators when a problem arises. In doing so, the Micro-Logic processor provides automated data, such as level and speed information, the number of pumps operating at any given time, and the hours of operation, just to name a few. In short, the lift station is operated on a wet well level, so depending upon the water level in question, the controls communicate seamlessly to the number one programmable pump the optimum speed to operate. If that doesn't take the fluids to the desired level, the Micro-Logic processorthen alerts another pump of the optimum run speed. Still, at any time, the controller can vary the pump's speed to the lift station.

Today, the city of Kalispell continues to manage its costs by maintaining its own equipment. To do so, Emrick and Konecky knew that proper planning was crucial from the onset. "The municipality keeps one of everything on-hand; two or three wear rings, all associated O-rings and washers. Being prepared is key," said Emrick. "This is where Patterson stepped in, with his decades of expertise, offering a solution that would truly meet the needs of Kalispell for many years to come."