Ephrata public works: reservoir testing OK but pump programming delays full service until next week

Ephrata public works staff reported that final laboratory tests on the city’s new reservoir returned acceptable residuals but a programming fault in booster-pump PLCs is preventing the system from automatically maintaining the reservoir’s level. Ron, the public works staff member who briefed the council, said crews are working on PLC logic so pumps will respond to pressure changes and not idle at low output.

“Everything’s out with our reservoir. We did final free residuals this morning and they’re well within where we wanted it to be,” Ron said, adding that the current issue is software logic in the booster pump that prevents it from ramping up. He told the council staff hopes to have the programming corrected and the reservoir online “by next week or the week up.”

Council members asked how the new infrastructure benefits the community. Ron said the project establishes a new Pressure Zone 5 that raises pressure in the upper area from roughly the mid-40s psi to near 60 psi, addressing long-standing low-pressure complaints. He also described the system configuration: two lower reservoirs serve downtown while Res 3 and Res 5 serve higher elevations, and a recently completed loop water main from the jail project improves redundancy. Ron said Well 10, when fully rehabilitated, should produce about 2,200 gallons per minute to help summer demand.

At a public comment period, a longtime resident said the tower completes a 10–15 year vision and will allow households to run sprinklers and wash clothes without pressure problems. “I’m very glad … that you got to finish your term and see the water tower tonight,” the resident said.

The council did not take any formal financial action on the water system during the meeting. Staff characterized the remaining work as programming and testing, not a major construction hurdle, and asked to return with final commissioning details once the PLC logic has been updated.