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Dallas public works reports three water‑main breaks, reservoir strain and multiple street projects ahead of school start
Summary
Assistant Public Works Director Jake Dyer told the Public Works Committee about three water‑main breaks in the prior three weeks (including one that flooded First Presbyterian Church), Mercer Reservoir levels at 56.7 feet, ongoing street and ADA projects, and that the city must complete a biological study for a proposed second reservoir permit.
Assistant Public Works Director Jake Dyer told the Public Works Committee the city has experienced three notable water‑main breaks in the last three weeks, all of which required cutting out pipe sections and, in one case, shutting down service to several blocks.
"We typically have around 6 water main breaks a year, and we've had 3 in the last 3 weeks," Dyer said, describing breaks at Brentwood & Laylak, Court Street between Levins and Hayter (which flooded First Presbyterian Church) and Hugo Street near Jiffy Lube. He credited coordination from the fire and police departments for road closures and on‑scene help during the Court Street incident.
Dyer said main‑break repair costs are absorbed as city maintenance expenses and that property‑damage claims go through the city’s insurance and risk‑management process; he said the church submitted a claim form and it is now in insurance review.
On reservoir and supply, Dyer reported Mercer Reservoir at 56.7 feet (61 feet is the spillway level; 64 feet with flashboards for summer storage). He said the treatment plant is pumping about 4.8 million gallons per day now versus winter flows of about 2 million gallons per day.
Dyer also outlined construction and ADA work: Phase 5 street rehab and ADA improvements are under way; repaving near Dallas High School and Holman is complete; the Ellendale/Lockrail intersection is functioning as a three‑way stop until traffic signals and controller arms arrive; and ODOT will begin a ramp project with some city coordination on catch basins and storm systems.
On the proposed second reservoir, staff said the Oregon Water Resources Department requires a biological study that is scheduled to wrap in September and that the state review is expected to be fast‑tracked for a few weeks. Staff noted outstanding land‑use conversations with the county and the water resources department prior to provisional approval.
The committee received the update as informational; no formal action was taken on projects, repairs or the reservoir permit during the meeting.
