The unprecedented ease of operation made this overhaul a total success to date. Currently, all of the equipment installed in Kalispell's original pump station operation continues to operate under the original conditions. "We knew there were cheaper products available, but what was available at the lower price was well below the city's expectations. What really appealed to the municipality was that Gorman-Rupp would actually assign top engineering talent to install, upgrade or create a customized solution for Kalispell's unique needs. This saves a city countless dollars," adds Patterson.

Total Success
One of the primary benefits, from Kalispell's vantage point, is in the collection system. In all, Kalispell has implemented a total of eight Gorman-Rupp submersible stations: nine 6 X 6 stations with four inch T-Series pumps, one 6 X 6 station with three inch T-Series pumps and three underground 6 X 6 stations, with six inch T-Series pumps.

If the city has future needs to upgrade or install a new lift station, city engineers know their system will confidently be assessed, and that the distribution/manufacturing team at Gorman-Rupp will engineer a package plan that exceeds Kalispell's expectations. And, although minor replacements are occasionally necessary, city engineers respect the planning, engineering, implementation and progress of the operation, overall. "In any city, you have to look at cost. In something like a wastewater treatment plant, one thing you look for is reliability and what costs will be incurred when making repairs," said Emrick. "It all boils down to cost and reliability. Total cost of ownership."