Council hears water-plant damage report after heavy rain; staff seeks repair quotes and funding

City public-works staff reported damage and operational strain at several water and wastewater facilities after intense rainfall and storm events, describing a clogged clarifier, rusted structural components, overwhelmed lift stations and restricted access to easements that has complicated inspection and repair work.

The report matters because impaired treatment and lift-station performance can threaten service continuity and create public-health risks; staff said crews have been working to clear easements and to restore access for camera and jet-truck inspections so permanent repairs can be estimated and scheduled.

Staff described a clarifier with corroded metal components and a partially binding scraper arm; the clarifier is operational but has pinholes and corrosion that will require replacement of parts or larger repairs. One lift station experienced near-overflow conditions during a recent storm that produced about five inches of rain in roughly an hour and a half; staff said the station did not overflow but was close to the top of the structure. Crews have been clearing access routes and placing temporary road bases so contractors can bring in inspection and repair equipment.

Public-works staff said they are collecting quotes for repairs, planning to pursue available grant or reimbursement programs (staff referenced an effort to pursue BP-related funding) and highlighted an immediate equipment need: replacement parts and potential structural work on the clarifier and lift-station components. Staff also noted recent lightning strikes at the water plant that produced additional expenditures to restore equipment.

Next steps: staff will obtain quotes for clarifier and lift-station repairs, pursue applicable disaster-recovery or other grant funding, and return to council with estimated repair costs and proposed funding sources.

Source: public-works report and staff comments during the Aug. 26, 2025 Perry City Council meeting.