USAID, Bechtel work to increase water capacity in Iraq

July 25, 2003 -- USAID, with Bechtel as the lead contractor, is working with the Iraq water authority on a project that will increase water capacity through eastern Baghdad from 580 million liters (153 million gallons) per day to 780 million liters (206 million gallons) per day.

In addition, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) has provided funding for stand-alone generating units for all 34 of Baghdad's water treatment plants. The generating units will provide about 150 megawatts of power. Bechtel is starting to assess the units' condition and the additional power needed to enable their operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without commercial power. Bechtel's scope is to provide the assessment and specification of equipment so the CPA can procure the equipment for which Bechtel will provide installation management.

In Basrah, Bechtel has begun installation of emergency power generators for the main water treatment and pumping plants. Meanwhile, Bechtel's water specialist continues to visit power plants in the north and central region and will move to Basrah to conclude his assessment to identify the priorities for power plants needing water treatment upgrades. Bechtel's engineering staff is also coordinating with Iraq Electric Commission personnel to identify the template for control system upgrades for plants in the future.

The complete Iraq project update can be found at http://www.bechtel.com/3q03.html#Iraq072103