Clinton Zone Improvements

Project Overview

This project involves the addition of elevated water storage tanks in the southern area of Prince George’s County.  The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has undertaken a study to evaluate the water distribution system serving the southern area of Prince George’s County, primarily focusing on the 385B (Clinton) Pressure Zone. The project involves the addition of elevated water storage tanks and three new water transmission mains. The figure on the right identifies the study area and water system pressure zones included in the study.  In addition to the 385B Zone, the study also included the three surrounding pressure zones: the 345A Zone to the southwest; the 280A Zone to the northeast; and the 317A Zone to the north of the 280A Zone. 

The study recommended constructing two new 2 million gallon (MG) elevated water tanks in the 385B Pressure Zone.

Why do we need it?

The water study showed that an additional 4 MG of elevated water storage is needed to meet the projected 2040 water system demands in the region.  This additional storage improves reliability and helps to maintain adequate pressure to consumers as well as supplies adequate capacity during emergency conditions and firefighting.  The extra storage is particularly needed to augment the existing 3 MG Clinton Tank in the northern part of the study area and support growth in the southern regions. 

What will be constructed?

The additional storage will be constructed as two separate 2 MG tanks, one in the south area and the second in the eastern area of the 385B Zone.  The South Tank will be constructed first, and the East Tank will be constructed when growth in the area triggers the need.  There are hydraulic and operational benefits to locating the tanks in different areas of the zone.   

Where will it be located?

The study evaluated possible tank sites for both the South Tank and the East Tank using available mapping, topography, and aerial imagery.  Over 100 sites were initially reviewed for potential tank locations.  The initial site selection was based on meeting several minimum criteria including site elevation, parcel size, parcel geometry, and site ownership.  The second level of site evaluation included the analysis of hydraulics, community impact, environmental impacts, and constructability.  From these analyses, four potential sites for the South Tank and three potential sites for the East Tank were determined to be the best suited for the proposed tanks.  The location of these potential sites can be found by clicking on the links at the top right of this page.

Are any other improvements needed?

In addition to the two new water storage tanks, the evaluation identified the need for three new transmission pipelines.  The first pipeline is needed to improve the ability of the system to bring water from the north area of the 385B Zone to the growth areas in the south.  The second pipeline increases the supply capacity to the Accokeek Zone(345A) in the southwest to help the system meet peak demands and improve the reliability of the supply.  The third pipeline provides a backup supply connection to the 280A Zone in the east.  With the new connection to the 280A Zone, WSSC Water can avoid the need to construct another elevated tank in the 280A Zone. A graphic showing the proposed transmission improvements can be found below. 

Milestones

The Study was completed in March 2013. The Commission has since proceeded to the design of the South Tank (Brandywine Elevated Water Storage Facility) and the three new transmission mains. 

South Tank (Brandywine WSF)

• Design Start – April 2015
• Scheduled Design Completion – August  2016
• Scheduled Construction Start – February 2017
• Scheduled Construction Completion – October 2018

Proposed 16” Water Main

• Design Start – June 2014
• Scheduled Design Completion – September 2015
• Scheduled Construction Start – July 2016
• Scheduled Construction Completion – January 2018

Proposed 24” Water Main

• Design Start – June 2014
• Scheduled Design Completion – August 2016
• Scheduled Construction Start – May 2017
• Scheduled Construction Completion – June 2020

Proposed 42” Water Main

• Design Start – June 2014
• Scheduled Design Completion – January 2016
• Scheduled Construction Start – August 2016
• Scheduled Construction Completion – August 2018

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