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AWU says water system capacity and condition are stable; plan recommends rehab and targeted capacity projects
Summary
AWU Capital Program Manager Todd Carroll told the committee the water master plan finds the system generally sound for the next 20 years, serving roughly 55,000 customers; recommended work emphasizes rehabilitation, aging-facility upgrades and targeted capacity projects in Girdwood and Eagle River, with a final plan expected in February.
Todd Carroll, AWU Capital Program Manager, presented the water master plan update, saying the utility serves roughly 55,000 certificated water customers, operates two treatment plants and about 850 miles of pipeline. Carroll said average demand is near 23 million gallons and AWU’s modeled firm capacity is about 60 million gallons, leaving the utility positioned to meet projected demand with mostly rehabilitation and smaller-scale capacity work.
"We have approximately 55,000 water customers in the certificated area, 2 water treatment plants...850 miles of pipe," Carroll told the committee as he outlined system condition and planning drivers. He said the plan incorporates regulatory developments (PFAS, lead and copper rule considerations), population and development projections, and system optimization work such as pressure-zone consolidations and interties.
Carroll said much of the 20-year capital program focuses on rehab and replacement of aging facilities, pumps and buried infrastructure rather than large system expansions. He cited specific capacity work planned for Girdwood and Eagle River and said maps with proposed projects will be published with the final plan. The plan has been informed by user groups and external consultants, and Carroll said AWU expects to publish the final plan around February.
Members asked about funding mechanics. David Persinger, AWU general manager (as identified in discussion), explained funding typically comes from a mix of rate-derived equity and borrowed funds (state revolving funds for drinking water and clean water), plus targeted federal and state grants for areas with development challenges. Carroll and staff said AWU has recently secured federal grants for several projects and will prioritize grant funds where the utility’s regulatory parameters limit other funding options.
Next steps: AWU will publish maps and the final master plan in the coming month and continue stakeholder outreach.
