In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical issues regarding the city's water systems, focusing on the west and east systems' performance and future needs. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of water loss, system strain during peak usage, and the necessity for infrastructure improvements.

The west water system is currently experiencing significant strain, particularly during peak demand days. Officials noted that water loss—defined as the difference between water pumped and water sold—has been a persistent issue, primarily attributed to leaks in the distribution system and aging meters. Water loss has decreased from 30% in 2018 to approximately 22% last year, indicating progress due to efforts such as the installation of new customer meters. However, officials acknowledged that leaks remain a major concern, with many going undetected until they are discovered during routine checks.

Alderman Rucker raised concerns about unbilled water usage during fire department operations and the city's flushing program, suggesting these factors contribute to the overall water loss. City officials confirmed that while these usages are tracked, they do not significantly impact the overall figures.

The meeting also addressed the east water system, which serves a larger population and has higher water usage compared to the west. With projections indicating a potential increase in demand, officials emphasized the need for additional storage and production capabilities. Currently, the east system's storage tanks provide only 1.25 days of supply, which may not suffice as demand continues to rise.

Plans for a water main looping project near a local school were discussed, which aims to improve service reliability by reducing the number of customers affected by potential outages. This project is expected to enhance water quality and reduce flushing needs, thereby addressing some of the water loss issues.

In response to the growing demand, officials indicated that recommendations for additional wells and possibly new storage tanks would be forthcoming. The discussions underscored the importance of proactive measures to ensure the city's water systems can meet future demands while minimizing losses and maintaining quality.