Osage Beach staff propose gradual phase-out of city-supplied pressure‑reducing valves

Osage Beach — City staff on Feb. 6 told the Board of Aldermen they intend to move toward a gradual, multiyear phase‑out of city‑installed pressure‑reducing valves (PRVs) and to offer long‑term loaners while leaving the current ordinance unchanged.

The city presented the plan as a discussion item rather than an ordinance change. “What we’re essentially proposing to do is go through a multiyear phase out of these … PRVs,” said Paul (staff member). He said staff recommends keeping the ordinance “exactly the way it is, for liability reasons” while allowing meter‑by‑meter evaluation and customer choice.

Why it matters: The ordinance currently separates city ownership of the meter pit from customer plumbing. Staff said changing the ordinance could increase city liability if private equipment were installed in the city’s meter pits. The proposal would let staff remove PRV responsibilities over time while maintaining options for customers who want the devices.

What staff described: Paul told the board the city estimates PRVs are installed in roughly 75% of meter pits but that many customers may not need them. Staff would evaluate meters case‑by‑case, offer courtesy long‑term loaners from city stock and educate customers about options, including installing PRVs on private property beyond the meter pit or placing a PRV three feet beyond the meter pit if customers do not want to dig a new pit.

Board concerns and clarifications: Alderman Hoffman said he supported leaving the ordinance unchanged and raised a question about whether customers could purchase and install PRVs in the meter pit; staff answered no, citing liability and the city’s desire to keep private equipment off public infrastructure. Alderman Recker pressed staff for a clear time frame for the transition; staff said the intent was at least a two‑year window while retaining flexibility to restock if supplies run low.

Technical notes: Staff said typical PRV life expectancy is roughly 10 years (with variability), and that city guidance would recommend replacing pits with a hard‑to‑find planning step only when necessary. Staff reiterated that keeping the ordinance avoids disputes about whether a later failure is the result of private work or city equipment.

Next steps: The item was presented for comment and direction; no ordinance change or binding vote was taken. Staff said it will prepare public education materials and maintain a supply of loaner PRVs while implementing the phased approach.