A sample of water infrastructure, optimization, and data integration work by Jay Yazzie.
The projects below were completed by Jay Yazzie while serving at previous engineering firms, prior to founding Yazhi Engineering. Client and reference data are available on request.
Performed preliminary hydraulic analysis and transient surge analysis for four critical booster pump stations to ensure long-term, reliable water distribution to the communities of Chilchinbeto, Cottonwood, Nazlini, and Tolani Lake. Sized and selected dual-pump configurations for each location based on system head curves, including two 100-GPM pumps for the Yellowhair station in Chilchinbeto, two 30-GPM pumps for the Cottonwood station, two 30-GPM pumps for the Nazlini station, and two 165-GPM pumps for the Tolani Lake station. Conducted field visits to optimize pump house layouts relative to existing facilities and secured the necessary right-of-way and construction regulatory permits. Authored the Preliminary Design Report, verifying all system design metrics and hydraulic evaluations to establish the framework for final engineering. Well and booster station production records were also analyzed alongside U.S. Census Bureau population projections to develop current and future water demand forecasts.
Analyzed operational performance metrics for existing Four Corners water systems by merging, updating, and calibrating multiple regional hydraulic models with current water demands and operational settings. Evaluations focused on optimizing system blending strategies for surface water and groundwater to reduce arsenic concentrations safely below the U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 ppb. Applied linear programming optimization to blend low-arsenic surface water — delivered by the Sweetwater Booster Pump Station via the Shiprock Pipeline — with Sweetwater groundwater wells, achieving the client's strict internal target level of service at or below 5 ppb. Authored a Technical Memorandum documenting the hydraulic evaluations, optimization models, and operational recommendations for the booster pump station and well configurations under varying demand conditions.
Led the development and authoring of comprehensive system operation plans for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Directed a data-integration effort updating the client's GIS database across 90 distinct water distribution systems, mapping critical facilities including wells, storage tanks, booster pump stations, and control valves. Published the final engineering system operation plans, featuring detailed geospatial exhibits documenting all water system facilities to serve as a long-term operational blueprint for the utility.
Served as lead modeler to update, recalibrate, and optimize the existing water distribution system model for Sammamish Plateau Water, developing diurnal curves from SCADA-recorded demand data to calibrate the model under maximum day and minimum day operating conditions. Used minimum day demand modeling to evaluate water age within the existing system and the impacts of proposed infrastructure adjustments on water turnover, and maximum day demand metrics to simulate future growth conditions. Ran genetic algorithm-based optimization scenarios across existing and future conditions to size system components, resulting in a recommended 9 MG storage reservoir and a 3,000-GPM booster pump station that mitigate reservoir draining and stabilize system-wide water levels during high-demand months. Authored the Technical Memorandum documenting the sizing recommendations and hydraulic justifications, then supported the design team's transition into final design by developing system head curves for pump design and updating the model with verified design iterations.