Mesa plans budget adjustments amid water treatment challenges and rising costs

In a recent Mesa City Council study session, officials addressed significant challenges and opportunities within the city's water treatment and wastewater management systems. The discussions highlighted both budgetary pressures and innovative strategies aimed at improving water resource management.

One of the primary concerns raised was the unexpected operational challenges at the Val Vista Water Treatment Plant. Originally scheduled for a fall outage, the plant's maintenance was postponed due to higher priorities at a partner facility managed by Phoenix. This change resulted in increased water flows that were not anticipated, leading to a budget overrun of approximately $6 million for the fiscal year. Mesa's share of this cost is projected to be around $1.4 million, adding financial pressure to the city's water treatment budget.

Conversely, the city reported a positive development regarding its water sourcing strategy. Mesa has begun utilizing new conservation space (NCS) water created by the recent raising of the Roosevelt Dam. This water, significantly cheaper than Central Arizona Project (CAP) water, allows the city to reduce its CAP water order by 10% while still meeting demand. The cost of NCS water is approximately $42 per acre-foot, compared to over $300 for CAP water, resulting in substantial savings for the city.

The wastewater management side also saw discussions about budget stability, despite some increases in operational costs. The Shrog plant, while exceeding its budget, is expected to return about $1.4 million in revenue from selling treated water and methane gas, which will help offset some expenses. However, concerns were raised about Phoenix's consistent budget overruns in shared projects, prompting calls for better predictability and management of costs.

Looking ahead, the council discussed ongoing feasibility studies for the Bartlett Dam project, which aims to enhance water storage capacity. This project is crucial as it could provide additional water resources in anticipation of potential cuts from the Colorado River, which could impact the city's water supply. The feasibility study is expected to cost $100,000 and will involve multiple stakeholders.

Additionally, the council reviewed plans for the SRP-CAP interconnect facility, which would allow for more efficient water transfer between systems, potentially reducing treatment costs significantly. This project is still in the feasibility stage, with a projected cost of around $97,000.

In summary, the Mesa City Council's study session underscored the complexities of managing water resources amid rising costs and operational challenges. The city's proactive measures, such as utilizing NCS water and exploring new projects, aim to enhance water security and financial sustainability for the future. As these initiatives progress, the council will continue to monitor budget impacts and operational efficiencies to ensure the community's water needs are met effectively.