Alpena city officials unveil $9.8M water clear well replacement project

The Michigan Legislature's Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure improvements in Alpena, particularly focusing on the city's water treatment plant. City Manager Rachel Smolinski, along with city engineer Steve Schultz, presented the urgent need for upgrades to the finished water clear wells at the Alpena Water Treatment Plant.

The plant, established in 1922 and recognized as an American Water Landmark, serves as the sole municipal water source for Alpena and the surrounding charter township, providing approximately 700 million gallons of water annually to over 15,000 residents, including local businesses and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. This facility plays a vital role in military training and national defense.

Smolinski emphasized that the existing clear wells, which are crucial for ensuring safe drinking water through proper chlorine disinfection, have reached the end of their service life. Originally constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, these wells have faced persistent issues such as leakage and structural deterioration, necessitating their replacement.

The proposed project aims to design and install two new 500,000-gallon reinforced concrete clear wells, which will enhance water treatment efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations. The estimated cost for the project has escalated to nearly $9.8 million, significantly higher than the initial budget due to rising construction costs and additional infrastructure needs. Despite these challenges, the city has secured a $6 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Workforce Grant Program to support the project, which commenced in July 2024 and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2025.

This meeting highlighted the critical importance of maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure to ensure the health and safety of the community, as well as the economic stability of the region.