Fargo Regional Water Supply Planning

Burian & Associates worked extensively with the City of Fargo on regional water supply planning to ensure growth projections, water demands, and Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) water nomination amounts were appropriate for Fargo and its regional partners.

The effort included a population density analysis to evaluate varying densities and determine realistic growth projections for Fargo and nearby regional communities such as West Fargo, Horace, Harwood, and Reile’s Acres. A spreadsheet model was developed to analyze existing and projected populations, high, moderate, and low population densities, available land for development, and a range of per capita water demands.

The analysis also assessed how future growth could impact the Cass Rural Water Users District’s service territory and supported the determination of an appropriate water nomination for CRWD. These findings formed the foundation for updating the RRVWSP nomination amounts for the City of Fargo and its regional partners. Burian & Associates also assisted the City with equitable consecutive user cost distribution projections for the anticipated costs associated with the RRVWSP.

Additionally, the City of Fargo expressed interest in securing optimized existing and additional appropriations on the Sheyenne River and within Lake Ashtabula to enhance the reliability and redundancy of their source water supplies. Burian & Associates has been instrumental in helping the Water Utility strategically pursue new permits and modifications to existing permits, aiming to improve source flexibility and redundancy.