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Waverly staff report progress, dewatering challenges at new aquatic center; May–June 2026 opening still target
Summary
City staff updated council on construction of the Waverly Aquatic Center, describing heavy groundwater at depth, an extensive dewatering system, placement of a large manhole/tank using a major crane, and a revised target opening window of May–June 2026.
City staff on Sept. 8 told the Waverly City Council that construction of the Waverly Aquatic Center has advanced but the project has encountered unexpected groundwater that required an expanded dewatering effort and heavy equipment work.
Staff presented photos and said contractors hit groundwater between about 13 and 15 feet while excavating to the pool design depth of roughly 24 feet. The contractor has installed an on‑site dewatering system described in the meeting as about 87 intake points that collect groundwater into a larger header and a pump that discharges to the street. "They're pumping out about 1,600 gallons per minute," a staff presenter said.
Council heard the crew placed a manhole/tank that will be used for winterization and pool drainage; staff showed photos of a large crane used to set the structure and said the crane was one of the largest in the state. The manhole/tank will sit even with the pool deck and be used for draining and winter maintenance.
Councilmembers asked whether the dewatering is a long‑term requirement; staff said it is temporary for construction and the system will be removed once construction is complete and groundwater returns to normal levels. Staff also explained a street closure was required briefly to accommodate the crane and delivery of additional crane sections that were not anticipated until Friday.
When asked about schedule, staff maintained the target remains spring 2026 but warned the unanticipated groundwater could push completion from May into June. "I think it could easily be June. We'll just say, I don't want to commit to May because... the water that was not expected to take this long to get it out," a staff member said. Staff otherwise repeated that May–June 2026 remains the current best estimate.
Photos shown to the council included dewatering piping, the large pump header, a crane in place and poured footings for the concession and guard‑room area. Council did not take action on the pool update; staff will continue to report progress to the council.
