Project: Pipes

The City operates a municipal water distribution system and a sewer collection system. Funding for major improvements are possible through the issuance of voter approved bonds, the American Rescue Plan Act Funds, and operating revenues.

Prop P3: Pipes is the City’s initiative to modernize and enhance its water and wastewater infrastructure. With aging systems reaching the end of their useful life, this project aims to ensure efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations for the benefit of all residents and businesses.

Prop P3: Pipes focuses on replacing outdated water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring that critical pumps, structures, and lines are upgraded. In the wastewater system, it addresses inflow and infiltration issues, while updating essential pumps. In the water system, it renovates key structures and replaces aging water lines to improve overall efficiency and reliability.

The City operates a municipal water distribution system and a sewer collection system. Funding for major improvements area possible through the issuance of voter approved bonds, the American Rescue Plan Act Funds, and operating revenues. Planned improvements include water line looping for redundancies and better isolation, replacements or relining of water lines, improvements and upgrades to the City’s lift stations, renovations of the City’s water pump house, renovation of the City’s elevated water storage tower, and other general water and system improvements.

Voters authorized $10M in water/sewer revenue bonds in addition to infrastructure improvements that were already underway. Project: Pipes is a reflection of all improvements planned for water and sewer infrastructure.

Many projects require engineering and DNR approval prior to bidding and construction and need to be properly sequence to minimize the impact or disruption on customers. Additionally, the City is completing a hydraulic model for the water system and completing a 5-year Owner’s Supervised Plan which will serve as the basis for future improvements.

Community Impact
By investing in this infrastructure, the City is ensuring that its water and sewer systems remain dependable for future generations. The updates will help prevent costly emergency repairs, limit service disruptions, and lead to a more efficient and resilient water system—directly benefiting ratepayers and the community at large.