In light of the Colorado River Basins ongoing draught, the worst on record to date, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has taken on the task of building a low lake level pumping station. To ensure the continued access to Las Vegas and Nevadas primary water supply in Lake Mead, Indar has designed and will supply 30 large submersible motor pump sets for the intake No. 3 station.
The Indar pump sets are rated at 20,835 USgpm with 433 ft. and 695 ft. of head respectively, providing the pumping station with a total capacity of more than 951 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The pumps are operated through submersible motor pump sets with 13.800 V motors, ranging from 3150 HP to 5200 HP and draw the energy they need directly form the Hoover dam hydro power plant located nearby. From the fore bay, the water will be pumped to SNWAs water treatment facilities. The pumps are constructed with stainless steel 316/316L to limit the impact on the water and to ensure a longer service life. The high-volume low lake level pumping station, combined with the recently completed Lake Mead Intake No. 3, will provide the community continued access to its primary water supply, despite the fluctuating water levels.
The design and construction of the Lake Mead Intake No.3 costs are expected to total approximately $650 million and L3PS is on track to be operational by 2020.