Grumman|Butkus Associates provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering design for the renovation of the Water Quality Laboratory at the Evanston Water Treatment Plant. The laboratory, certified by the Illinois EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health, performs more than 37,000 tests on water samples annually. It contains wet benches, a fume hood, and a small office, as well as electronic equipment in an adjacent room. Chemistry and microbiology analysis are both required, defining the needs of the renovation/addition.
The Water Quality Lab was added to the Water Treatment Plant in 1948 as part of a significant expansion. The current project addressed key issues of the aging facility, including a lack of overall ventilation isolation and some problems with thermal control that impacted microbiology techniques. Staff also complained of humidity and temperature issues related to the need to run water constantly (particularly cold water supplied by a pipe extending to Lake Michigan) as well as the fact that the lab was located above an uninsulated crawl space. In addition, critical electronic equipment needed to be better protected.
The engineering design meets functional requirements and user objectives while reducing energy use. A 100% outdoor air unit incorporates a flat-plate heat exchanger, boosting efficiency while preventing cross-contamination of incoming and outgoing air. Because treatment plant employees often pass through the space, the design also helps to ensure negative pressurization is quickly regained after doors are opened.
The updated HVAC systems have addressed longstanding humidity issues in the lab, where constantly running water is often necessary for testing routines. Staff no longer need to resort to individual air conditioning units, nicknamed “window rattlers,” for dehumidification. The addition of radiant heat in the floor and new wall insulation helped address frequent complaints that the space was chilly. A new fire suppression system protects the lab and adjacent data room.
The remodeling and addition provided a safe and functional laboratory space, with new equipment and casework, new finishes, and accessibility enhancements. The Water Quality Lab is now more energy efficient and more comfortable for the staff, achieving key goals for the City.
Photos: Leslie Schwartz Photography, Inc.
