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County engineer presents final water study, flags pressure and fire‑suppression gaps outside Burlington
Summary
Engineers told commissioners the City of Burlington has the most up‑to‑date system; outside the city some districts face low pressure, undersized lines and inadequate reserves for fire suppression. The study includes priority projects, a ~ $1.3M estimate for a priority trunk line, and options for airport and industrial site upgrades.
A county engineering presentation to the Coffey County Board of Commissioners outlined findings from a final countywide water study and listed priority projects and planning scenarios for future growth.
The presenter, the county engineer, told the board the City of Burlington "has the most robust, up‑to‑date system," while systems outside the city—especially in southern parts of the county and District 2—face pressure issues and many small supply lines that cannot support fire hydrants. The study identifies upsizing supply mains, larger reserve tanks (the study estimates a reserve of about 250,000 gallons would be needed versus the currently combined 125,000–150,000 gallons), and specific district priority projects. Engineers included a roughly $1.3 million estimate for a south 4‑inch trunk line prioritized by Midwest Engineers.
The report also examined potential water needs tied to near‑term development scenarios, including an industrial park concept and airport expansion. For the airport, engineers recommended upgrading to an 8‑inch main (an 8‑inch line would allow fire suppression capability and provide capacity for future development). The presentation included sample development agreements and funding scenarios for sharing improvement costs with developers.
Commissioners asked whether the study contained specific proposals to remedy the pressure and supply issues; the engineer confirmed the document lists priority projects and recommended upsizing and tank additions. Commissioners asked staff to pursue grant and funding options; county staff said they are already engaging the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and will report back to the board as they pursue grant opportunities and as districts refine project estimates.
No formal action beyond acceptance of the report was required; staff will continue to accept updates from the districts and return with more information and funding options at a future session.
