Water offers grains of gold in Turkmenistan

Black and Veatch Water Europe Division has successfully completed a major new water treatment plant in Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan: the plant treats raw river water with a conventional process

Black and Veatch Water Europe Division has successfully completed a major new water treatment plant in Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan.

The plant replaces an outdated treatment works and treats raw water from the Amu-Derya River with a conventional treatment process.

Relying heavily on the Amu-Derya River, the people in this Central Asian Republic regard water as an absolutely vital resource to their livelihood.

As highlighted on a banner at the very colourful opening ceremony; 'A drop of water is a grain of gold'.

During the official opening, Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov praised the cooperation between Polimeks (main contractor) and Black and Veatch (contracting party) that had resulted in the world-class 150Mld plant being delivered on time and to budget requirements.

At the high profile opening, key ministers from the Turkmenistan government were also present, as well as local, provincial and city government representatives, plus the British Ambassador Paul Brummell.

The plant was decorated with flags, banners and balloons, and in addition to traditional folk dancers, a local choir and orchestra were also on hand to celebrate this important occasion.

Also speaking at the official unveiling of the plant, Black and Veatch Water Europe Division Sales Director, John Aldridge.

"Our hope is that the plant will provide good quality drinking water and help improve quality of life for the people of Turkmenabat", said Aldridge.

"We are committed to take part in similar projects that improve the infrastructure and contribute to the economic development of Turkmenistan".

The 21-month turnkey construction for the Lebap Province Administration involved building more than 30km of large diameter distribution lines.

Treated water is stored in two 10,000m3 reservoirs and fed into the city's distribution lines by a new high lift pumping station.

As well as the design and supply of all mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control equipment for the water treatment plant and pumping stations, Black and Veatch was also responsible for the construction management of the installation and commissioning of the plant.

The conventional treatment process includes alum and polyelectrolyte dosing, pH correction, sludge blanket clarification, rapid gravity filtration and disinfection with chlorine, to bring potable water of a very high quality to the 210,000 population.

The project is the first major international contract in the country's history.

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