Council transfers $1.4 million to replace failing filter underdrains at water plant

The Common Council authorized a $1.4 million budget transfer to pay for emergency replacement of remaining underdrain units at the city’s water filtration plant, citing unexpected early failures and rising supplier prices.

City engineering staff explained that three of seven filter underdrains had been authorized for replacement previously and that remaining units now show signs of imminent failure. Zach, the city engineer, told the council that waiting would likely have increased costs: suppliers had signaled a $50,000 per‑unit increase year‑over‑year and one vendor was seeking an additional 7% tariff surcharge if the city delayed procurement. He said manufacturing lead times are long — roughly nine months — and that staggered failures strain the remaining filters, accelerating wear.

Zach said the replacement units are “critical” because all treated water passes through these filters before distribution. He described the earlier generation as failing sooner than expected (about seven to eight years versus an expected 15). Council approved using available water‑fund balance for the appropriation.

The resolution authorizes amended budget entries moving $1.4 million from appropriated fund balance into the water fund underdrain project line. The council approved the transfer by roll call; staff said the work is moving forward as an emergency repair to protect treatment capacity and avoid higher costs with further delay.