New Strategies for the Design of Raw Water River Intakes for Potable Water in Puerto Rico

摘要

Operation and Maintenance of raw water river intakes for potable water in Puerto Rico has presented a challenge for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority due to problems associated with clogging by sediment and debris as a result of flood flows. Traditional river intakes used in Puerto Rico and created by small in-stream dams also fail to guarantee environmental in-stream flows below the intake and can also represent important obstruction to species migration. This paper outlines the engineering features of intakes developed to supply Rio Fajardo and Rio Blanco off-stream reservoirs, and which are both now operating successfully. The design consists of three main structures that work together to create a scour pool to prevent clogging by sediment and facilitate species migration, plus a combination of in-stream and off-stream weirs to guarantee minimum flows below the intakes. This presentation summarizes design considerations at these two river intakes, the construction process, and performance to date.