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Pullman council adopts updated water system plan and efficiency goals through 2033
Summary
Council adopted water use efficiency goals and the city’s 2024 Water System Plan update, which staff say keeps the city in compliance with state guidelines and outlines when new supply capacity may be needed depending on demand and conservation outcomes.
The Pullman City Council on June 10 adopted two water‑related actions: a resolution establishing water use efficiency goals and a resolution adopting the City of Pullman 2024 Water System Plan update as the official plan.
Kara (last name not provided) and Ryan Withers of RH2 Engineering summarized the plan and the proposed efficiency goals. The city’s water system currently relies on multiple wells and distribution infrastructure that together can meet demand for now; the plan projects future demand under alternative scenarios and recommends measures to extend system capacity through conservation and targeted capital projects.
The council adopted Resolution R‑19‑25, which establishes nonbinding water use efficiency goals: a primary target to reduce per‑capita demand by 3 gallons per day by 2033; a goal to maintain distribution system leakage at 10% or less (the Washington requirement); and a goal to continue customer education about conservation programs. Ryan Withers said Pullman’s per‑person water use is already relatively low compared with peer systems and that realizing additional efficiency would materially delay the timing for a new source well.
Council then adopted Resolution R‑20‑25, formally adopting the 2024 Water System Plan update. The plan, prepared with RH2 engineering and reviewed by the Washington State Department of Health, documents system capacity (wells, reservoirs, pumps and 117 miles of mains), analyzes peak day and maximum day demands and models how conservation can reduce future infrastructure needs. Staff noted that if per‑capita demand does not improve, a new well could be needed around 2039–2040; meeting the proposed efficiency target would push that need decades later.
The council approved both resolutions by voice votes. Staff said the plan will guide long‑range capital planning, water main replacement prioritization and siting studies for a future source well if and when required. The plan also updates the city’s distribution system leakage monitoring, rebates and lawn‑removal credit programs, and includes a proposed water‑wise landscaping demonstration and increased conservation messaging.
