North Campus Radial Collector Well

The City of Aurora was facing ongoing challenges with their existing vertical wells, which were experiencing declining yields and increased maintenance demands. These vertical wells, located along the South Platte River, were essential to the city’s water supply but were costly to maintain and rehabilitate, particularly during periods of drought. The City needed a more sustainable and cost-effective solution that would address these issues while improving water yield and operational efficiency.

Carollo, in collaboration with nine subconsultants, developed a horizontal well solution to maximize well yield and water quality. The design features 20-foot diameter concrete caissons that extend to bedrock, with 10 horizontal screened laterals extending up to 100 feet into the alluvial zone. These horizontal wells yield approximately 10 times more water than traditional vertical wells, significantly improving the efficiency of the water supply system. This design is only the second of its kind in Colorado, showcasing Carollo’s ability to bring novel solutions to the region. The horizontal well system reduces the need for frequent maintenance and rehabilitation, cutting down on long-term costs while also increasing system reliability.

The new radial collector wells will deliver substantial benefits to the client, the environment, and the community. By improving water yield per dollar spent, the project will provide a more cost-effective and sustainable water supply for the City of Aurora. Furthermore, the system’s enhanced yield will reduce the operational strain on other wells, contributing to the long-term health of the region’s water resources. The technology also allows for more efficient water extraction with less disruption to the surrounding ecosystem, as it minimizes the environmental impact compared to conventional well systems. The new system will play a crucial role in drought resilience, helping the City diversify its water supply and safeguard against future water shortages. Ultimately, this innovative solution not only improves operational efficiency but also provides a more reliable and sustainable water source for the community.