The Boulder City, Nevada, Water Works

Abstract

The new water treatment plant recently placed in operation at Boulder City, Nevada, represents an ideal method of treating a hard water of high turbidity. The plant was designed to treat two million gallons daily, and includes such features as presedimentation, aeration, water softening, filtration, and chlorination. This treatment was adopted by the Bureau of Reclamation upon the recommendation of Mr. Burton Lowther, Consulting Engineer, after considering several types of plants. Boulder City, the community which houses those connected with the gigantic Hoover Dam project, is situated in the midst of a desert area overlooking the lake which will be created by the dam. It is some 23 miles southwest of Las Vegas, and 7 miles northwest of the Dam site proper. In appearance Boulder City differs radically from the average construction camp. Its buildings, homes, and dormitories are attractive in appearance, and well constructed. The streets are paved, and well lighted at night. Beautiful parks and parkways are laid out. Modern water and sewerage systems serve the inhabitants. In short, Boulder City is a permanent community probably destined to live long after the construction of the Dam is completed. The present population is approximately 4500, and it is expected this figure may be increased to 6000, when the height of construction activities is reached.