United Water to Continue Public-Private Water Partnership

United Water has announced that the company has signed a five-year extension to its contract to manage the Gary Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment facilities and sewage collection system. United Water, whose contract ends May 31, 2008, has operated these facilities through a public-private partnership since 1998.

The new five-year contract with the district, which takes effect June 1, represents about $54 million in total revenue for United Water. The district serves 180,000 people who live in Gary and the surrounding communities of Calumet, Hobart, Lake Station and Merrillville, Ind.

Under the terms of the agreement, United Water is responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of the district’s facilities, which include a 60-million-gal-per-day wastewater treatment plant, a 360-mile sewer collection system with 25 miles of storm sewers and five miles of separate sanitary sewers, 36 pumping stations, including 20 sanitary remote pumping stations, and 16 storm water pumping stations and 12 combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

“We’re honored that the Board of Commissioners selected us to continue operating their wastewater facilities,” said Tony Harding, chief executive officer of United Water. “Their confidence in us is based upon the achievements we have made during the course of our 10-year public-private partnership.” Harding noted that United Water’s cost-effective management has helped the district maintain stable rates for its customers. In addition, the company’s efforts have helped the district improve water quality in the Grand Calumet River, which discharges into Lake Michigan, making it substantially cleaner and safer for wildlife and recreational activities.

The district was also able to reduce the levels of sulfates, total dissolved solids, chlorides, fluoride and copper in discharged water to levels that are in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. United Water's wet-weather management plan helped to reduce the number of CSOs by 66 percent while reducing the volume from 3.8 billion to 236 million gal. The partnership’s efforts have been recognized by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, which has awarded the team with safety and laboratory awards for five consecutive years.

“This public-private partnership has served Gary area residents well,” said Richard J. Comer, president of the Gary Sanitary District. “Our wastewater infrastructure is an important part of our plan to improve the environment and enhance economic development in northwest Indiana. United Water has been a true partner in helping us pursue those goals.”

Source: United Water