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Cowlitz County water and sewer update: meter installs, system projects and planning for Woodbrook plant replacement
Summary
Staff reported meter installs, ongoing projects (Tootle, Camelot, Shadow Mountain), a proposed 4% rate increase, and said a currently funded capital reserve of about $5 million is being built to pay part of future projects; alternatives analysis for Woodbrook sewer plant replacement is underway with planning numbers expected.
County staff provided a water and sewer update that covered meter installs, capital projects and reserves and previewed a planning study for the Woodbrook wastewater system.
Savannah Clement and Sean (finance manager) summarized ongoing projects funded partly with ARPA dollars, including meter installations, the Tootle low‑pressure zone work and planned improvements at the Tootle wastewater plant. Staff said they sent Camelot loss system work to bid and were preparing Redwood emergency water system work; Shadow Mountain work is in progress and needs completion before 2026.
Staff said they are starting proposed rate work with a 4% increase under consideration and are reviewing capital planning studies to determine whether capital fee transfers and reserve levels are appropriate. The water/sewer capital reserve was described as roughly $5 million; staff said they would like to see two months of operating expenditures carried as an operating reserve and suggested a portion of fee revenue (about $750,000 in one scenario) directed into capital reserves.
On the Woodbrook wastewater plant, staff said Ecology has determined the existing lagoon system no longer meets permit requirements because flow has exceeded the plant’s design and treatment levels for total suspended solids and BOD. A alternatives analysis is underway to compare options — pump stations to an existing system, a comparable replacement plant, or a packaged plant — and staff said the study will produce planning numbers and allow pursuit of grants or debt as needed. Rough order‑of‑magnitude replacement costs previously discussed were in the $20–30 million range, and staff cautioned those are planning estimates until the alternatives analysis is complete.
Commissioners asked about debt and reserves; staff said only one remaining Department of Commerce loan remains from prior projects and that grants and debt remain options for large capital projects. No formal rate adoption occurred during this meeting; staff said studies and more detailed budgets will return for decision.
