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Gig Harbor council authorizes manganese treatment feasibility study contract with Dowell; one abstention
Summary
Council authorized a professional-services contract with Dowell to complete a feasibility study for manganese treatment in the city’s water system. Public Works Director Jeff Langham said the city’s six wells produce high manganese concentrations and the study will inform future capital budgets; council approved the contract 5–0 with one abstention.
The Gig Harbor City Council on April 13 authorized a professional-services contract with Dowell to carry out a feasibility study for manganese treatment in the city’s water system, a staff-led effort intended to guide future budget and construction work.
Public Works Director Jeff Langham told the council that manganese is not classified as a primary contaminant by the Washington State Department of Health but that the city’s six wells produce elevated manganese levels that create aesthetic and operational problems. He said the city currently flushes mains to manage manganese, which leads to lost water and staff time, and that the feasibility study — included in the 2026 budget — will identify treatment options, priorities and estimated costs.
If the council approves the contract, the consultant will attend the April 16 study session to provide details and a timeline, Langham said. Council member Coronado moved to authorize the contract and Council member Stone seconded; the motion carried 5–0 with one abstention from Council member Tessaccini.
Langham said the study will inform future budget proposals and that the city intends to return to council with study results and recommended next steps when available. The contract award authorizes the study work but does not itself commit the city to construction; any capital projects would require later council review and appropriation.
