Bridgeport Water System Study

The City of Bridgeport, Nebraska, retained Olsson Associates to help it solve serious issues involving the city's water supply.

High levels of uranium in the city's water resulted in an administrative order from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requiring the city to hire an engineer, set a time line for project milestones, and supply bottled water to residents of the community.

Olsson helped the city find a long-term source of water.
The first phase of its work involved looking at the overall system, evaluating the existing system, and considering options to meet water quality standards.

Some lawsuits, known as the Pumpkin Creek lawsuits, were of major concern because they could affect the selection of new well sites.

Disposal of waste from any treatment system was another concern that required consideration.

Besides evaluating those issues, Olsson conducted a thorough economic analysis of the city's options -- which considered development costs as well as long-term operation and maintenance costs.

The city chose centralized water treatment, along with the installation of two new wells, as its most economical option.
A design was done for the water treatment system, new wells, and distribution system improvements.

Construction on the system began in 2009. On March 19, 2010, the State of Nebraska notified the City of Bridgeport that all water quality testing showed the uranium levels to be at safe, low levels and bottled water would no longer be needed.