The Town of Dove Creek was faced with a mandate from the Colorado Department of Health to upgrade or replace their existing Environmental Elements automatic backwash filter.

The Town initially hired a consultant which recommended complete replacement of the filter. Estimated construction cost of the design prepared by the consultant was approximately $400,000. Because of the high cost, and uncertainties of the need for extensive rehabilitation, the Town of Dove Creek contracted WestWater Engineering to prepare a second Engineering Feasibility Study to re-evaluate the water plant.

The revised report indicated that the existing filter could be renovated. Total cost of all improvements to the water treatment plant was approximately $50,000. The Colorado Department of Health has approved the concept and WestWater Engineering prepared the Final Design for the improvements.