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Staff outlines water and wastewater CIP: South Slope, PFAS study and expanded lead‑line work
Summary
Utility staff described a water‑and‑wastewater capital program including a large South Slope wastewater construction package, a PFAS treatment study and accelerated lead service line replacements aided by forgivable and 0% loans.
City utilities staff presented planned drinking‑water and wastewater projects July 15, emphasizing the South Slope wastewater construction package, PFAS treatment planning and a step‑up in lead service line replacement funded by new grants and low‑interest loans.
The presentation described a South Slope construction and engineering budget presented as a $132.8 million all‑in figure that includes a 10% contingency and construction‑period interest; staff said the plan assumes staged $30 million payments across multiple years. Staff said a $120 million low‑interest loan had been earmarked as match for the South Slope construction.
Staff also described the water plant master plan and near‑term investments: a planned PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) removal study and possible installation of powdered activated carbon (PAC) systems as an interim removal technology pending longer‑term treatment options. Staff said the city’s measured PFAS levels were in the high 30s (parts per trillion) and that a PAC system would be a near‑term mitigation strategy until treatment technology and regulation settle.
Lead service line replacement: Staff said new funding improved the city’s schedule. Presentation figures included about $17 million in lead removal settlements and additional federal/state awards reported during the meeting: $5 million forgivable funds and $3 million low‑interest loan for 2026, with staff estimating the city could replace roughly 800 service lines next year with that award. Staff said the city currently had an inventory of about 5,000 public‑side lead service connections and noted ongoing federal rulemaking could change the required replacement timeline (staff cited a ten‑year vs. 16‑year compliance window as a possible regulatory change).
Other utilities actions: staff described installing “Neptune gateway” remote meter collectors to reduce manual reads and to improve billing accuracy, cybersecurity and SCADA updates at the water plant, and priorities for filter and fluoride tank repairs.
Decision and next steps: staff said the PFAS study will return next year with design recommendations, and that lead replacement pace will be revisited after federal rule finalization expected this fall. No ordinance or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; staff said grant agreements and loan documents will return as resolutions for council action.
Ending: Utilities staff will return with the PFAS study, updated South Slope cash‑flow tables and specific lead‑line replacement agreements for council consideration.
