Council approves $11.65 million for seven water system projects; city says rates unchanged

The City Council on Tuesday approved funding to initiate seven water‑system projects with an aggregate authorization of about $11.65 million; staff said the amounts were included in the adopted capital improvement program and would not change current water rates.

Don Henry, Public Works and Utilities, described the package of projects: a new vacuum priming system for Hess Pump Station ($500,000); rehabilitation and replacement of air relief equipment for the Cheney ozone facility ($500,000); repairs to elevated water storage tanks (budgeted $1.2 million, staff recommended initiating $200,000 now); additional automatic flushers in fringe distribution areas ($500,000); completion of the Maple Booster Pump Station (approx. $8.75 million); SCADA upgrades ($900,000); and server virtualization/replacement ($300,000).

Henry explained the technical needs: the Hess priming system prevents cavitation and catastrophic pump damage; Cheney’s ozone components operate in a corrosive environment and need replacement to safely gas off excess ozone; tank work includes coating, safety equipment and vent repairs; automatic flushing improves water quality in low‑turnover fringe mains; and SCADA/server upgrades increase reliability and security while integrating remote sites with the new water treatment plant.

Henry said the CIP includes funding for the projects and the cost‑of‑service model accounted for the budgets, so the approvals will not change current water rates. Council approved the resolutions and authorized staff to proceed; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0.