Project Summary

Constantine engineers were presented the Consulting Engineers Council of Alabama 1999 Engineering Excellence Grand Award for the design of the Fort Payne Raw Water Pump Station.

Fort Payne Raw Water Pump Station Project for the Fort Payne, AL Water Works Board

Fort Payne, Alabama is nestled among beautiful waterfalls and canyons in Northeast Alabama. Because Fort Payne is also an economic center, a reliable supply of potable water is very important.

In 1993, the Water Board decided to pursue a long-term source after nearly running out of water in the past. Constantine engineers were hired to develop the project. The solution was a raw water transmission system that transports water from the Tennessee River to Fort Payne. The raw intake system can move up to 20 million gallons of water per day and consists of two intake screens, two raw water pump stations, two storage tanks, approximately 23 miles of pipe and several vacuum/pressure control valves.

The project design was complex and required resourceful solutions by Constantine Vice President, Joe Downey. Joe Downey, states, “It is complicated just thinking about moving that much water from the Tennessee River, up and over Sand Mountain, then smoothly discharging into the water reservoirs at the Fort Payne Water Treatment Plant. This design was intended to be reliable, yet simple and cost effective.” 

With this project, Fort Payne can continue to attract vital industries and provide economic opportunities for North Alabama. It was an investment the Water Board felt had to be made. Water Board Chairman Walter Summerville says, “We knew it was a difficult project, but the financial rewards for the families in this area will be realized long after this Board is gone.” The project was so successful; it has already prevented critical water shortages each year since startup of the new facilities.

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