Thurston County to seek comment on water-system plans; public hearing set on efficiency goals

Public works staff presented proposed water-system plans covering Thurston County–owned systems in Boston Harbor, Tamishan and Grand Mound and told commissioners the plans were developed with public engagement and utility-advisory input.

Karen We (public works director) and Wilson (Water Resources manager) said the plans cover demand projections and system needs through 2033 and are required by the Washington State Department of Health. Staff said the plans were developed with public meetings, open houses and review by the county’s utility advisory committee and that the board’s next step is to adopt a resolution formally adopting the plans.

Public works also presented proposed water-use efficiency goals required by the Department of Health and scheduled a public hearing on the goals for 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. The proposed demand-side goal is to maintain average-day water-system demand at or below 200 gallons per day per connection; the supply-side goal is to maintain distribution system leakage below 10% of production. Staff noted a caveat that the Grand Mound goal applies to residential uses only.

Commissioners asked whether systems currently meet the goals; staff said they were close but did not provide exact figures and offered to return with precise data. The board took no formal action at the work session; staff will bring the resolution and final materials to the business meeting and hold the scheduled public hearing on June 3.