West Pasco City Council approves engineering services for water treatment expansion

During the Pasco City Council Workshop on April 28, 2025, significant discussions centered around the expansion of the West Pasco Water Treatment Plant, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the city's water production capacity. The council reviewed a professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering, which will provide essential design, permitting, and bid support for the next phases of the plant's improvements.

The proposed upgrades, outlined in the city's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aim to increase the plant's capacity from its current production of 12 million gallons per day to 18 million gallons. This expansion is crucial to meet the growing water demands, particularly during the summer months, and to ensure reliable service as the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant undergoes replacement.

The total cost for the professional services agreement is capped at $749,753, which is part of a larger $14 million project funded through a low-interest loan from the Department of Health. The improvements will include advanced treatment technologies, increased pumping capacity, and enhanced power reliability through generator installations.

Council members engaged in discussions about the selection process for engineering services, emphasizing the importance of choosing the most qualified professionals over simply opting for the lowest bid. This approach is particularly relevant for critical infrastructure projects, where experience and expertise are paramount.

As the council prepares to move forward with this project, the implications of these improvements extend beyond immediate water supply needs. They reflect a proactive approach to urban planning and resource management in Pasco, addressing both current demands and future growth. The council anticipates further action on this matter in upcoming meetings, highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure and service reliability.