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La Cygne pursues fixes for aging water system: pumps, sludge ponds and RWD #3 interconnect
Summary
After repeated pump failures and high post-storm flows, La Cygne officials approved a new ABS lift-station pump, contracted McElreath to clean water treatment backwash ponds, and awarded an interconnect construction contract to Lathrop Construction to improve supply resilience.
City leaders prioritized water-system repairs across 2013 after a string of equipment failures and storm-related strains on the plant.
Public Works Superintendent Jim Johnson reported repeated incidents: river pump voltage issues, several main breaks in late October that required emergency repairs, and persistent accumulation in the water-treatment pond system. On Dec. 4 the council approved purchase of a new 15‑horsepower ABS pump for the park lift station ($8,061 plus freight) rather than rebuilding a worn Flygt pump; members cited the new pump’s warranty and parts availability. The council also accepted a $15,000 proposal from McElreath Construction to clean two backwash/sludge ponds at the water plant, with work to be scheduled around weather and contractor availability.
Separately, the council awarded an emergency interconnect contract with Rural Water District #3 to Lathrop Construction for $14,200 to improve redundancy in the city’s supply (contract awarded Aug. 21). That interconnect was rebid in summer 2013 and began when materials arrived.
Why it matters: Repeated low‑flow episodes and storm-related main breaks have exposed operational vulnerabilities that affect public supply reliability; council action aims to improve redundancy and reduce the risk of future boil-water advisories or extended outages.
Next steps: McElreath will proceed with pond cleanout per the contract; the city will install the new ABS pump and continue scheduled inspections. Public Works will complete MESA cathodic-protection diagnostics and follow the KCC-required leak-survey remediation plan.
