Clean Water for Thousands in Kirkuk

2008-2009

With the population of Kirkuk expected to double in the next 20 years, it is essential for local authorities to have a master plan for the city and surrounding area. In the fall of 2008, MRDS Kirkuk helped the Iraqi government facilitate just such a master plan. With this tool the city will be able to grow in a healthy, sustainable way. MRDS Kirkuk acted as the Architect and Engineering Consultant through the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The master plan encompasses issues related to the ability of local government to provide essential services to all peoples in the city. This includes transportation, a clean water supply, wastewater and drainage, economic and industrial development, and areas of growth for future residential and commercial expansions.

Safe, clean water is essential; the health of people everywhere is impacted by their access to clean water. In 2007 cholera was becoming a serious issue in northern Iraq. That summer, a newly chlorinated water supply prevented the spread of this deadly disease in Kirkuk. Funded by the US government, MRDS Kirkuk worked with local Iraqi engineers to install brand new chlorinators in four strategic locations throughout the city. The project also included service water systems renovations and an overhaul of the chlorine buildings including the electrical and instrumentation systems. The completion of this project now enables Kirkuk to boost the chlorine levels of 70 million gallons of water a day, providing a safe water supply— a foundation for public health.