WRWC approves Raftelis contract to begin Phase 1a feasibility study on regional wastewater planning

The Western Regional Water Commission voted unanimously April 16 to approve a scope of work with Raftelis for Phase 1a of a feasibility study on regional planning and management of wastewater utilities and effluent disposal.

The study’s Phase 1a will document challenges and objectives across utilities and produce a workshop and final report; Raftelis and subcontractors will gather data, interview utility staff and elected officials, and facilitate a working-group workshop. "My name is Zachary Green. I'm a manager with Raftelis and I would be the project manager for this work if it's approved," Raftelis project manager Zachary Green told the commission during the presentation.

The study is intended as an initial effort to determine whether further, more detailed analysis is warranted. Raftelis described Phase 1a as primarily a diagnostic step — "identif[ying] what the challenges and objectives are" — that would be followed by a landscape of alternatives and, if directed, later feasibility and implementation phases. The firm estimated Phase 1a would take about six to nine months, approximately April–November 2025.

Kim Rigdon, staff for the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission (which supports the WRWC), said the commission and the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission had developed the request for proposals and a working group had interviewed applicants. Rigdon noted Raftelis submitted an amended proposal that clarified budget and scope for the Phase 1a work.

Commissioners asked whether the scope would include stormwater and effluent distribution and pricing issues; Green said those topics fall within the firm’s expertise and are within the Phase 1a diagnostic scope, though he cautioned Phase 1a is not a rate study. Commissioners also raised public concerns about cost and asked for clear messaging on project affordability; Green and Rigdon said the study would identify whether pricing, stormwater resourcing or reuse opportunities are priority questions for further study.

A disclosure was made before the vote: Commissioner Kathleen Taylor said she has an unrelated subcontracting relationship to Jacobs Engineering through her company, TaylorMade Solutions, and determined the relationship would not materially affect her independence of judgment in this matter.

The commission approved the scope and funding match for the Raftelis engagement. The motion was moved by Member Andriola and seconded by Member Doer; the motion passed unanimously, with commissioners signaling "aye." The record packet includes Raftelis’s original and amended proposals for the engagement.

Looking ahead, if Phase 1a identifies priority alternatives, staff and the commission may bring proposals for subsequent phases to analyze shortlisted alternatives, implementation feasibility and timing.