Durango Hills Water Resource Center

With limited rainfall, water resources are of primary concern to this growing city. The Durango Hills Water Resource Center (DHWRC) conserves scarce water resources while enhancing the local quality of life in Las Vegas. This water recycling facility saves up to 10 million gallons of water per day by treating and recycling municipal wastewater to irrigate large turf areas, including golf courses and parks. 

The DHWRC is a 10 MGD facility which produces recycled water that is treated to a level that is acceptable for direct human contact.  Recycled water is used by area golf courses and other large turf facilities that in the past used valuable drinking water for irrigation purposes.  Located amid master planned communities as a “good neighbor” facility, the treatment processes are enclosed, eliminating noise and odors normally associated with recycled water treatment facilities. As practicable, treatment facilities were constructed below grade and enclosed to further dampen noise. Odorous air is chemically scrubbed before discharge to the atmosphere. Plant buildings are designed to blend with community architectural aesthetics based on input from area residents. 

In addition to providing good-neighbor features, Greeley and Hansen incorporated engineering designs that make water recycling less costly than potable water for large-scale irrigation. The plant is also designed with on-site recharge and recovery wells to address seasonal demand fluctuations, which range from 2.5 mgd in the winter to 22.5 mgd in the summer. During periods of peak demand, potable water recharged during winter months can be withdrawn from the aquifer and mixed with NWWRC treated water for distribution. The plant also provides a drought-resistant water source that will even enable limited irrigation during some periods of water restrictions. 

Lower water costs and a reliable water supply were critical issues to the end users. Chemistry of the recycled water was another important factor. Greeley and Hansen worked with golf course managers to establish water chemistry that does not overfertilize or damage turf. 

Project Highlights: 

• The project is recognized as an award-winning water reuse facility. 

• Southwestern-style architecture and desert landscaping complement the overall image of the community. 

• Wastewater is treated by screening, grit removal, flow equalization, secondary treatment, dual media filtration, and UV disinfection of tertiary effluent suitable for golf course irrigation.