Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts resolution to investigate high pressure swings linked to Shelter Bay pumps
Summary
After detecting repeating pressure spikes traced to Shelter Bay booster pumps that can reach over 100 PSI and threaten aging mains, the council approved a resolution to pursue diagnostic engineering and mitigation (including possible control valves); temporary surge tanks are in place and costs could be substantial.
The La Conner Town Council voted to adopt a resolution to pursue diagnostic and mitigation work after public works staff reported repeating, high‑magnitude pressure swings in the town’s water system traced to Shelter Bay booster pumps.
Public works staff said the swings have at times reached more than 100 PSI and could rupture older mains. Staff reported they installed temporary surge tanks and relief valves that have reduced the immediate risk but emphasized the solution must be engineered. "At times with these swings, these pressure points will prevail over a 100 PSI," public works staff said, adding that the Department of Health and tribal partners are involved in the issue.
Engineers from an experienced regional firm (Simcoe) have already provided initial recommendations, staff said. Depending on findings and the required equipment (for example, back‑pressure or backflow control or a designed control valve), mitigation could be expensive; staff estimated a worst‑case scenario could exceed $100,000, although initial fixes might be much smaller. Council passed the resolution directing staff to pursue diagnostic engineering and to coordinate with Shelter Bay and tribal representatives.
Council members asked staff to protect the town’s capital infrastructure and to avoid the town bearing unwarranted costs for upgrades to another system; staff said meetings with Shelter Bay and reservation partners are scheduled to seek cooperative solutions.
