Envisioning a Better Rural Water Supply for Hancock County

Abstract

Jubilee Project sought to collaborate with Milligan Engineering to assess the water quality of a mountain-spring source and improve water availability. This rural water supply provides water to Cedar Grove Baptist Church and surrounding communities in Hancock County. The goal of our collaboration is to produce a reliable supply of clean water. Analysis showed that the source water was contaminated with fecal coliform. Implementation of a sediment filter, carbon filters, and an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system successfully provided a sustainable source of clean water. The addition of a feature to monitor UV dosage was developed, utilizing a microcontroller and UV sensor. The improved design also used the microcontroller to monitor the differential pressure across the sediment and carbon filters to detect when they need replacing. An addition of a solenoid valve to automatically trickle water during freezing conditions is specified to increase freeze protection. For safes maintenance, a new hydraulic-cylinder lid design was implemented to assist in lifting and closing the 100-pound lid. Instrumentation for measuring pressure, temperature, flow, and energy consumption was integrated for the assessment of system performance. Improvements to the existing water supply should allow it to reliably provide safe water for years to come.