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Daniel considers Stormhaven water master plan after engineer flags system deficiencies
Summary
The town heard that Stormhaven’s water system lacks a tank, has small distribution lines (2–4 inches) with no hydrants, and relies on a single well; the council asked the engineering firm to draft a master-plan proposal and cost estimate to pursue funding options including CDBG and Division of Drinking Water programs.
Council members on Nov. 3 discussed the Stormhaven water system after engineer presentation flagged multiple deficiencies and funding needs. The engineer said Stormhaven has no tank, distribution lines between 2 and 4 inches in diameter (insufficient for hydrants), a single well source with no redundancy, and no covered backup generator. He recommended preparing a water master plan to define improvements, estimated costs, and funding paths.
Why it matters: The Stormhaven system’s limited pipe sizes and single source mean residents lack fire hydrants and have limited redundancy if the well or power fails. Because the system serves relatively few households (speakers estimated roughly 20–30 homes), the per-customer cost of upgrades is high, and grant or regional solutions may be required.
Funding and regional options: Council and staff identified funding programs to explore — the Division of Drinking Water, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, and potential regionalization options with Twin Creeks. The engineer said Twin Creeks is likely the most feasible regional connection, but options include pipeline interconnection with master meters or Twin Creeks operating and maintaining lines; participants noted Twin Creeks’ system had significant debt tied to prior upgrades and that pumping/pressure differences and debt obligations are material considerations.
Next steps and timelines: The engineer offered to prepare a proposal and scope with cost estimates for council consideration; staff noted a first public hearing for CDBG planning grants needs to occur in December to keep application timing (Jan–Feb) on track. Dave Gilson, the town’s new water master, said the town will also conduct PFAS sampling with lab boxes arriving in December and June to meet testing intervals.
Representative quote: On master-plan timing and council direction, the mayor and engineer agreed on returning a scoped proposal and numbers for council review so the town can pursue applicable grants and next steps.
Provenance: The Stormhaven discussion and master-plan proposal occurred during agenda item 2 (Stormhaven update) and related engineering remarks.
