City faces water crisis as infrastructure crumbles

In a recent government meeting, officials addressed critical issues surrounding the city's water supply and billing systems, highlighting significant operational challenges and financial constraints. The discussions centered on the need for improved data validity in customer metering and billing functions, as well as the identification of data gaps that hinder effective water supply operations.

Key points raised included the necessity for loss assessment investigations and the implementation of a comprehensive customer meeting and leak survey program. Officials noted a concerning trend of unauthorized water consumption, with instances of customers tampering with their meters to avoid charges. This issue underscores the urgency of addressing the integrity of the metering system.

The meeting also revealed the city's financial predicament, with a reported $4 million loan and insufficient grant funding to cover necessary infrastructure improvements. Officials expressed frustration over the low ratio of grants to loans, attributing it to the city's current water rates being mid-range compared to state averages. The discussion highlighted the need for a new customer billing system and potential large-scale projects, including customer meter replacements and water main upgrades, which are expected to incur substantial costs.

Concerns were raised about the city's debt service, which officials believe is unsustainable given current budget constraints. The available cash balance for the water fund was reported as critically low, prompting questions about the adequacy of past cash reserves and the need for a thorough financial review.

The meeting concluded with a call for a more strategic approach to water management, emphasizing the importance of data collection over the next year to inform future rate adjustments and infrastructure investments. Officials acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and the aging water infrastructure, stressing the need for immediate action to address these long-standing issues.