Current Projects- updated September 2025
Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation Project
Rockwood Sewer system has an on-going problem of infiltration and inflow (I&I). To address this issue, the Utility has utilized the SSES program to guide the priority of repairs and rehabilitations in the system to reduce the most I&I most economically. This rehabilitation project began construction 2024 and was substantially completed in late summer 2024. The project included manhole rehabilitation, manhole installation, pipe bursting (construction methodology to rehabilitate existing pipelines in place) and some full replacements. The majority of the work occurred in the central area of the City. The project was funded with $625,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2022 and matching funds from the Capital Improvement Program. The total investment in our system was approximately $960,000. The average daily flow at our treatment plant has been substantially reduced since the completion of this project.
Consulting Engineer: Ardurra Group, Inc.
Contractor: Hurst Excavating
Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES)
Due to the on-going issues with excessive infiltration and inflow (I&I) with our collection system, the Utility committed to a multi-year program to contract for manhole inspections, CCTV and smoke testing. These methods evaluate and score all the manholes and pipe sections in our system for defects while also updating our mapping software. By evaluating and determining the correct technique for a defective area, the Utility can save money and maximize the benefits. The program began in 2018 and will continue with approximately 20% of the system to be inspected each year. The Utility plans to continue this program after the 5 years so that a continual analysis of the pipe system and possible deterioration is monitored and potentially repaired prior to failure. The project was rebid for a new cycle and has been underway in Spring of 2025 and will continue.
Flow Monitoring Program- Sewer System
RWSG has previously completed a modeling study based on flow monitoring in the sewer system. This gathered data is used to evaluate the improvement in an area based on rehabilitation work completed. This work gives us a continuous monitoring of the problem areas.
Consulting Engineer: Jack Southard Company
Water Plant Upgrade Project
RWSG has an existing water plant consisting of two separate plants, completed in 1958 and 1978. The plant has a capacity of 6 MGD and production demand currently is approximately 3 MGD. RWSG has completed a Preliminary Engineering Report, which evaluated the options for the future of the plant. The first phase of the rehabilitation would upgrade the newest side, including electrical, lab, etc. The older plant would be eventually taken out of service due to lack of replacement equipment and
age of the structure. When this occurs the plant capacity will reduce to 4 MGD until Phase 2 is implemented. Phase 2 would include the installation of additional filters in other to regain or expand to 6 MGD+ capacity. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by October 2026 and will be funded in collaboration with Roane Central Utility District, City of Rockwood and Roane County utilizing ARPA funds and extensive loan forgiveness from State Revolving Fund Loan program. The long-range plan includes proceeding with Phase 2 by 2030. The total grant/forgiveness invested in this project is over $5,000,000.
Consulting Engineer: JR Wauford Contractor: W & O Construction, Inc.
AMI Meter Project
This project will upgrade the water and gas meters in our system to more accurately provide the consumption on each meter. The data will be available hourly to our office and the meters can be read from one location. RWSG anticipates a savings of 10-15% on lost consumption once the new meters are in service. This project is almost 100% complete in the residential customer base and over 60% in the commercial/industrial base. RWSG is already experiencing a reduction in the water loss in the system.
Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan
RWSG is currently proceeding with the inventory required by TDEC and EPA to determine the lead service lines located in our drinking water system. We have completed the initial work in-house and have been awarded grant funding totaling $250,000 to complete the final inventory and prepare a replacement plan to meet the EPA requirements. Anticipated completion will be December 2025.
Consulting Engineer: Cannon and Cannon, Inc./Ardurra
Water System Modeling
This contract will provide RWSG with a Hydraulic Water Model and Calibration. Once completed, the model will provide initial instantaneous demand scenarios to confirm hydraulic model’s functionality and confirm with flow and pressure tests at various locations. This program is a critical component of long-range planning for the utility as the service area grows and will assist with the development of the Capital Improvement Plan. The program will provide the data needed to coordinate with future development that may be proposed.
Consulting Engineer: Jack Southard Company
Asset Management Plan
RWSG is required by EPA and TDEC to prepare an asset management plan for water and sewer system. RWSG has been awarded a grant for the development of the plan related to the sewer plant and system. The grant is $250,000. Additional evaluation of the collection system and an asset replacement plan for the sewer plant is underway and completion is expected in December of 2025.
Consulting Engineer: Jack Southard Company
Replacement of Main Transmission High Pressure Gas Line
Currently, our transmission line from the main gate station has had several repairs over the past ten to fifteen years. The approximate pipe age is over 60 years old. RWSG has applied for a PHMSA grant to provide funding for the replacement of the pipe under the Emory River. Grant funding has not been received but RWSG will continue to explore funding options.
Gas Extension to Flatrock Motorsports Park
RWSG previously completed engineering construction plans for gas extension to the Motorsports Park. Those plans would need to be updated when the development is ready for the extension. ROW is not obtained and funding is not currently available but RWSG is prepared to work with the developer for this extension when needed.
Consulting Engineer: Ardurra