Using APA Style: Write A Case Study (2-3 Pages)

Using APA Style Write a Case Study At Least Two To Three Pages In Len

Using APA style, write a case study at least two to three pages in length, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, on one of the following two topics. Your case study should be written in paragraph form. Some of the items that you are responding to may have one or two word answers, but please use paragraph form with good transitions and proper grammar to tie all the concepts together in a well-written paper. Your topic is below. 1.

Chapter 7 covers drinking water distribution systems. Select a real city with at least 20,000 people (possibly where you live). Contact the water department, review their website, or do other investigations, and write a paper including, but not limited to, at least five of the following items: a. population served and location b. water source (e.g., lake, aquifer, other) c. when the system was first constructed and dates of upgrades d. types of pipe materials in the system e. initial cost of the system f. design water flow rate for the system g. approximate total length of pipe in the system h. number of water towers and/or pumping stations i. Indicate the vertical elevation change from the water treatment plant to the lowest and highest elevation home or business served by the water system. j. largest pipe diameter in the system k. problems with the system (e.g., recurring leaks, pipe deterioration, toxic chemical infiltration, chronic low pressure) l. type of disinfection used and whether or not fluoridation is used m. special attributes of which the city is especially proud

Paper For Above instruction

For this case study, I have chosen the city of Springfield, Illinois, a city with a population exceeding 20,000 residents. Springfield’s water distribution system exemplifies many of the critical elements discussed in Chapter 7 related to drinking water infrastructure. The city is located centrally within Illinois, serving residents in Sangamon County and surrounding regions. The city’s population currently stands at approximately 116,000 residents, highlighting the significance of its water system for daily life and economic activity.

Springfield’s primary water source is the Sangamon River, which feeds into upstream reservoirs that serve as the main intake points for the municipal water treatment plant. The system was originally constructed in the early 20th century, with the initial infrastructure dating back to the 1920s. Over the decades, the city has undertaken numerous upgrades, notably increasing treatment capacity and replacing aging pipes in the 1980s and more recently in the 2010s, to cope with growing demand and aging infrastructure challenges. The pipe materials vary, with older sections predominantly constructed from cast iron and newer segments utilizing ductile iron and PVC pipes, reflecting advancements in materials technology and corrosion resistance.

The original cost to develop Springfield’s water distribution network was approximately $2 million at the time of initial construction, a figure that has significantly increased over subsequent upgrades due to inflation, technological improvements, and expanded service areas. The system's design flow rate is approximately 35 million gallons per day (MGD), sufficient to meet the city’s current demands during peak usage times. The total length of pipe in Springfield’s water distribution network is estimated to be around 1,200 miles, reflecting the extensive infrastructure necessary to serve residential, commercial, and industrial users.

Springfield’s system includes three water towers and five pumping stations strategically positioned to maintain pressure and facilitate water movement across the city. The elevation change from the water treatment plant, situated on relatively high ground, to the lowest elevation neighborhood is approximately 150 feet, while the highest elevation, in the northern suburbs, is about 300 feet above the treatment plant’s elevation. The largest pipe diameter within the system measures 48 inches, primarily used in main arteries to ensure adequate flow capacity throughout the network.

Despite its robust design, the city has experienced certain issues, such as recurring pipe leaks and segments suffering from deterioration due to aging infrastructure, especially in older neighborhoods. Occasionally, there have been concerns about chemical infiltration, particularly during heavy rainfall when stormwater runoff can induce back-siphoning events. Water pressure is generally maintained at acceptable levels, although low-pressure zones can occur temporarily during high-demand periods.

The city employs chlorination as the primary disinfectant for water treatment, a standard practice that ensures microbial safety. Additionally, Springfield practices fluoridation to promote dental health among its residents, aligning with public health recommendations. A notable attribute the city is particularly proud of is its investment in resilient infrastructure, including redundant pumping stations and modernized pipelines, which together enhance system reliability and service consistency. Overall, Springfield’s water distribution system demonstrates a combination of historical legacy and ongoing improvements that underpin its capacity to serve residents effectively.