Augusta approves partnership with Butler Rural Water District No. 5 to extend water to Santa Fe Lake campground

The Augusta City Council approved an agreement with Butler Rural Water District No. 5 to extend water service to camping areas at Santa Fe Lake, a project staff said would add a meter, at least one hydrant and the capacity to run service lines to campsites.

City staff described a partnership in which Butler Rural would supply materials and carry out boring for difficult segments while the city would provide trenching labor and potentially rent trenching equipment. Staff estimated Butler Rural would provide roughly $40,000 in materials and cover boring on three hard-to-reach sections; staff also described a small trencher rental cost for the city of about $1,000–$2,000 depending on duration.

Rod Davis, Santa Fe Lake caretaker, said the lack of water hookups has limited RV camping demand and that adding water and hydrants would increase usability and firefighting capability. Staff said the plan is to set the main meter and at least one hydrant in 2026 and to budget for distribution to individual campsites in the 2027 budget, estimating the campsite hook-up work would cost on the order of a few thousand dollars in pipe ("about $5,000 worth of pipe" cited by staff) and be paid from the 2027 capital budget.

Staff said the district would bore three locations (about 1,000 feet of boring total) and would cover hydrant materials and valves; the city would provide labor, possibly cost-share one hydrant, and handle the later work to connect campsite services. Staff indicated monthly minimum charges for a campground meter would apply once service begins, and a future council action would adjust fees and rates to reflect the new service.

Council approved the agreement, authorizing the mayor to sign. Staff said the waterline project will be phased: bringing water to the meter and hydrant area in 2026 and extending service to campsites in 2027, subject to budget approval.