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Council backs staff to study temporary booster‑pump fix for Highlands pressure issues
Summary
After hearing consultant analysis Nov. 18, council directed staff to pursue predesign of a temporary regional booster pump and check‑valve system to raise high‑elevation pressures from the ~450 psi gradient to a ~510 target as an interim measure before a permanent fix. Staff stressed the option is temporary and depends on power reliability and further design work.
Council directed staff Nov. 18 to proceed with a predesign study and accelerated procurement strategy for a temporary regional booster‑pump solution to address low water pressure in higher‑elevation Highlands neighborhoods.
RH2 consultant Ewan described the concept: divert supply into a booster station that raises the hydraulic gradient to about 510 from the existing ~450 for targeted high‑elevation zones, with a check valve configured to allow gravity flow to meet fire‑flow demand or to provide backup in the event of pump failure. Staff characterized the approach as a short‑term intervention intended to be decommissioned once a permanent system upgrade is completed.
City staff and the consultant warned of trade‑offs: mechanical pumps depend on uninterrupted electric service, increasing operational risk compared with gravity‑fed systems; a booster station would raise operation and maintenance requirements for the city and could require placement in public space such as a park. Staff said preliminary hydraulic analysis shows the approach is feasible for pressure and fire‑flow needs for the affected zone but emphasized the solution is temporary and includes sunk‑cost considerations.
Staff said they will notify petitioners in early December, preserve eligibility for property‑level grant programs for owners who still prefer private booster pumps, and return in January 2026 with refined costs, schedule and a recommendation for potential procurement to permit installation before summer 2026 if council approves.
