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Washington council hears water system plan that could top $150 million; consultants to craft capital improvement program
Summary
City staff told the council that a consultant-led water capital improvement plan is underway, with large-scale leak detection and intake/wastewater work identified; estimated costs could exceed $150 million and eventual rate adjustments for customers were flagged as likely.
City Manager Will Long told the Washington City Council on May 11 that consultants are developing a comprehensive capital improvement plan for the city’s water system, and that planned work — including large-scale leak detection and intake and wastewater upgrades — could cost more than $150 million.
The discussion came during the council’s New Business review of utilities and capital planning. Long said the city is coordinating with consultants to scope immediate repairs and a longer-term program; he also said the work may require future rate adjustments to fund construction and operations.
Why it matters: Washington’s municipal water system underpins public health, fire protection and economic development. A plan of the scale Long described would require multi-year budgeting, potential borrowing or grant-seeking and changes to customer rates or service priorities.
Council members pressed staff for details and next steps. No ordinance, rate change or formal funding decision was made at the May 11 meeting; Long said consultants would present more detailed recommendations as the plan develops.
City Manager Will Long reported the $150 million figure to the council as a planning-level estimate; the council did not adopt a financing plan and no vote on rates occurred. The council directed staff to continue planning work and to bring back supporting materials for future deliberation.
Next steps: Staff will work with consultants to refine scopes, cost estimates and financing options and will return to the council with recommended next steps and timeline.
