The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is building a low lake level pumping station to ensure that Las Vegas and Southern Nevada maintain access to their primary water supplies in Lake Mead.
Development of the SWNA’s pumping station consists of constructing a 315 inch diameter access shaft at more than 498 ft depth. At the bottom of the access shaft, a 12,379 sq. ft. underground cavern is excavated. The cavern will connect with 34 vertical shafts, each 498 ft deep and 72 inches in diameter, to accommodate the 34 submersible motor pump sets.
The pumps are operated through submersible motor pump sets with 13,800-volt motors, ranging from 3,150 to 5,200 HP. These pump sets will obtain the required energy from the hydro power plant at the Hoover Dam. The pumps, motors, riser pipes, and well heads are made of stainless steel 316/316L.
The design and construction cost of the Lake Mead Intake No.3 is expected to be approximately $650 million, and L3PS is on track to be operational by 2020.
