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Orem reports strong wastewater financials; treatment plant investments remain planned
Summary
Public works staff told the council that the city's municipal wastewater planning program shows the utility has adequate revenues after recent rate changes, a capital facilities plan and certified operators, but continued investment is needed to meet future capacity and regulatory changes.
Orem, UT — Assistant Public Works Director Reed Price presented the city's annual municipal wastewater planning program report on May 26, telling the council the collection system and treatment facility are operating in sound condition but will need continued capital investment.
Price said the MWPP survey covered the utility's financial condition, collection-system maintenance, and treatment-plant operations, and concluded the city has sufficient revenues to fund planned improvements following recent rate increases and planning work. "Our answer to that is yes, we do," Price said, adding that the city has conducted rate studies and maintains impact fees and a capital facilities plan.
Operations and staffing: The collection system has a preventive-maintenance program and a team of field staff; Price said nine collection-system staff are on the team with several Grade 4 certified technicians and others training to reach certification. At the treatment plant four operators have a Grade 4 certification and one has Grade 2; staff indicated a strong succession pipeline.
Plant capacity and investment: Price said the plant is "in great shape" for current flows but that master-plan work identifies upgrades needed to meet future regulation and growth. The plan will guide near-term capital investments to upgrade equipment, maintain compliance and preserve treatment capacity.
Why it matters: Reliable wastewater operations underpin development and public health. City staff said federal and state funding programs and loan terms can depend on clear financial plans; Price noted recent legislative proposals linking grant eligibility to durable revenue models and urged continued attention to rate and capital planning.
Attribution: Quotes are taken from the May 26 meeting transcript and attributed to Assistant Public Works Director Reed Price.
