Skagit River Raw Water
Project Summary
The Skagit River Raw Water Pipeline and Clearwell project constructed a new raw water pipeline and water storage tank (a clearwell). IMCO Construction crews installed a 42-inch diameter pipeline up to 50-feet below the riverbed of the Skagit River using horizontal directional drilling.
The project included construction of a new 2.1-million-gallon welded steel water storage tank, yard piping, valves, instruments, appurtenances, and a concrete vault associated with the new clearwell. IMCO coordinated the integration of instrumentation and controls, SCADA programming and testing, and provided assistance during commissioning.
The city of Anacortes provides significant water to the region, supplying water to residents of Anacortes and La Conner, two refineries in Skagit County, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, the city of Oak Harbor, and the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. The project also benefits the Skagit PUD, who receives water from Anacortes through intertie connections to supplement their water system during drought conditions.
The new pipeline will serve as a backup in case the raw water line — which was built in 1970 — needs repair or maintenance. The new clearwell provides additional storage capacity.