Public Utilities lays out 2026 water, wastewater and stormwater capital priorities

Perry Mickley, serving as the Public Utilities presenter, reviewed the department’s 2025 accomplishments and capital priorities to the Finance Committee on Nov. 13. He reported the water plant has been treating an average of about 3,500,000 gallons per day this year and that the department completed multiple infrastructure maintenance projects including pump repairs and a UV disinfection upgrade at the wastewater plant.

Perry described distribution and collection activity: more than 6,100 work orders for metering and replaced meters across the system, CCTV inspections of more than 16 miles of sewer, and numerous mainline repairs. He said the department is beginning installation of an additional filter at the water treatment plant to maintain flow during backwash cycles and has started dewatering improvements at the wastewater plant that should be complete in early January.

Looking to capital plans for the coming year, Perry listed scheduled work: replacement of aging 4‑ and 6‑inch water mains, the South Franklin and Fountain Avenue replacements, South Industrial Loop and Sawmill Parkway water main extensions, and the US‑23 ODOT culvert replacement project that will repair or replace culverts crossing the highway through the city. He noted some projects will go to bid with construction expected to begin in early 2026.

Committee members asked about timing and service activation processes; Perry clarified typical service turn‑on timelines and noted coordination with contractors for directional drilling when necessary. The meeting did not include a final appropriation vote for these projects.