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O'Fallon budgets water-treatment upgrades, biosolids centrifuge and lift-station work for 2026
Summary
Staff outlined water and sewer capital projects that carry forward into 2026, including completion of water-treatment plant upgrades (RO system replacement), distribution well upgrades and a $2.4M biosolids centrifuge at the sewer plant; sanitary sewer lining and lift-station upgrades were presented as annual programs.
Water and sewer division staff described ongoing and planned capital investments intended to improve reliability and regulatory compliance.
Water: The city has brought Alluvial Well No. 6 online this year and is advancing water-treatment-plant upgrades that include replacing aging reverse-osmosis systems in the treatment process. Distribution-well upgrades (Wells 3 and 4) are underway to accommodate the chloramine treatment regimen the city approved earlier in the capital program.
Sewer: The sewer fund reflects near completion of headworks and lagoon projects; staff seeks to advance a biosolids centrifuge project budgeted at $2,400,000 to improve sludge processing and reduce operating costs. Annual sanitary sewer lining ($200,000), lift-station upgrades ($300,000) and manhole rehabilitation ($100,000) were presented as recurring capital programs. Staff noted some operating-line volatility due to encumbrances carried from prior-year purchase orders and said landfill tipping/processing costs are rising for biosolids handling.
Why it matters: Treatment-plant and biosolids investments affect compliance with environmental regulations, long-term operating cost and service continuity for customers. Staff emphasized carrying forward construction encumbrances from 2025 into 2026 and recommended continued monitoring of demand-driven repair costs in lateral-insurance funds.
Next steps: Staff will continue construction and closeout of current projects, proceed with design and procurement for the centrifuge, and present detailed procurement and schedule documents to council.
