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Council discusses emergency interconnect to neighboring water system
Summary
Councilors discussed a proposed emergency interconnect with a neighboring water system, citing reciprocal access with master-metering, backflow protections and potential pumping and treatment costs; staff were directed to continue drafting terms.
The Rural Retreat council reviewed a proposal to interconnect with a neighboring water system to provide emergency supply if the town’s plant is compromised.
Jason told the council the draft proposal would allow the town to use the neighboring system under emergency conditions with a master meter and backflow prevention and pay a set rate per 1,000 gallons. He said reciprocal access could be provided if the neighboring locality needed water, but that elevation differences mean the town would need to invest in pumping equipment and possibly treatment to accept or deliver supply.
Council members emphasized the proposal is an emergency backup arrangement, not a permanent water purchase. Participants raised concerns about taste and odor differences from the neighboring source and the capital expense of developing the town’s own spring or installing pump infrastructure; one councilor estimated interconnection and development could cost several million dollars.
Jason said staff would draft formal terms and cost estimates and return to the council for consideration; members also discussed touring the neighboring wastewater and water plant to better understand operations before final decisions.
No formal action was taken to approve contracts at the meeting; the discussion was framed as staff direction to continue drafting an interconnect agreement and rate schedule.
