Emergency Pump and Valve Upgrades Restore Reliability for New York WWTP

After decades of operation, the pumps supplying wastewater to the trickling filters at the Cayuga Heights (New York) Wastewater Treatment Plant had become inefficient and prone to breakdowns. To meet permit, two pumps of the three aging end-suction pumps operated continuously, and the third was kept on standby and for backup during routine maintenance or emergency repairs. To balance wear and extend pump life, the backup unit was periodically rotated into service. Despite ongoing modifications and rebuilds, only two pumps remained operational, and both were rapidly approaching end of life.The pumps’ check and butterfly valves had become nearly inoperable. The check