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Council adopts water master plan; approves emergency overhaul of two river pumps
Summary
The council adopted the 2024 Water Master Plan (level 1 study) and approved an emergency purchase/overhaul of two river pumps (Arvada Pump Company) for $139,448. Staff warned of significant capital needs identified in the study and indicated the city's water fund reserves are limited compared with the estimated needs.
The Rawlins City Council voted to adopt the 2024 Water Master Plan Level 1 study and authorized emergency repairs to two river pumps that are necessary for the pretreatment plant and to provide irrigation water to non-potable uses.
Adoption: Council approved the master plan presented by WWC Engineering in association with Hinkley Consulting. City Manager Tom Sarvey told the council the level‑1 study identifies roughly $50 million in prioritized infrastructure needs; he said the water fund's current cash reserves are about $2 million, leaving a substantial funding gap that will require future planning and likely rate adjustments.
Emergency pump repairs: The council approved an emergency resolution to purchase an overhaul from Arvada Pump Company of two river pumps for $139,448 to be paid from the Water Enterprise Fund. Staff told the council both pumps were currently inoperable; overhaul lead time is about 18 weeks. City staff clarified the river pumps provide raw river water to the pretreatment plant (which removes turbidity before treatment) and are also used to supply irrigation water to the golf course; the pretreatment and treatment plants remain the priority for municipal water service.
Funding and next steps: Staff said they will present prioritized capital projects and funding scenarios during the budget and upcoming strategic planning sessions. Council members asked whether grants or other funding sources were available for pump repair; staff said none were readily available for these immediate repairs and that delaying the work posed service and operational risks.
Why it matters: Adoption of the master plan commits the city to a multi‑year capital planning roadmap and identifies large, near-term needs. The emergency pump overhaul restores critical raw‑water pumping capacity for treatment and reduces reliance on treated water for non-potable uses.
