Wichita City Council approves $8.9M for water supply system improvements

During the Wichita City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, significant discussions centered around funding for improvements to the city's water treatment infrastructure. Public Works and Utilities representative Don Henry presented a comprehensive plan involving 12 projects aimed at enhancing the water supply system, with a total proposed budget of $8.885 million.

Henry clarified that while the agenda item was titled "funding for the treatment plant," only one of the projects directly related to the treatment facility itself. The remaining projects encompass a range of upgrades and repairs across the water supply system, which is critical for maintaining reliable water delivery to residents.

Key projects highlighted include the replacement of aging equipment, such as pumps at the Cheney Pump Station, which is essential for transporting raw water to the treatment plant. Additionally, improvements to the well field communication system are planned to replace an outdated radio-controlled setup with a more reliable fiber communication line. This upgrade is expected to enhance operational efficiency and ensure consistent water delivery.

Another notable project involves the construction of a drain line from the underground reservoir to the sanitary sewer, which aims to streamline maintenance processes and protect local wildlife by preventing chlorine from entering the river during tank inspections. The council also discussed the need for a study on expanding the Lime Residual Lagoon facility, which is nearing capacity due to increasing demands.

Henry emphasized that while these projects do not directly address water reuse initiatives, they are designed to maintain the infrastructure in optimal condition, allowing for future enhancements related to water reuse opportunities.

The council members expressed their support for the proposed funding and improvements, recognizing the importance of maintaining and upgrading the city's water infrastructure to meet growing demands and ensure public health and safety. The meeting concluded with a recommendation for the council to approve the funding and initiate the necessary resolutions and signatures to move forward with the projects.