Title
Public Hearing - The 2015-2020 Olympia Water System Plan
Recommended Action
Utility Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Move to approve the Water System Plan for 2015-2020.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the 2015-2020 Water System Plan and direct staff to forward the Plan to the Washington Department of Health for final review and approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the draft Water System Plan for 2015-2020.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, Public Work Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner
Background and Analysis:
Washington Department of Health (WDOH) regulations, WAC 246-290-100, require public water suppliers with more than 1,000 connections to submit a water system plan for review and approval. These plans are required every six years and are intended to demonstrate the water system’s capability to achieve and maintain compliance with relevant local, state and federal plans and regulations.
Olympia’s Water System Plan is a key technical and policy document that sets the priorities and program directions for the Drinking Water Utility over the next six years and beyond (see hyperlink to review the Draft Plan and Appendices). Council’s Land Use and Environment Committee set the Plan goals at the start of the planning process in 2013 and staff developed objectives and strategies to meet the goals (Attachment 2).
The following key issues are addressed in the Plan:
• Adopting new conservation goals for both indoor and outdoor water use and addressing system leakage.
• Continuing to improve operation and maintenance practices to maximize the life of system assets (i.e., pipes, water tanks, pump stations).
• Identifying water system infrastructure needs through capital planning in order to continue a high level of service to existing customers and build capacity for system growth.
• Outlining a six-year financial plan, including an updated cost-of-service study with customer rate projections.
According to state law, WDOH is the final approval body of all water system plans. Following Council approval, Olympia’s Water System Plan will be sent to WDOH for final review and approval.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The draft Water System Plan has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Utility Advisory Committee (Attachment 1). Notice of the draft Plan was sent to drinking water customers through the “Five Things” utility bill insert, and also to neighboring municipal water suppliers.
Options:
1. Approve the 2015-2020 Water System Plan. The Plan will ensure the City’s compliance with Department of Health regulations and the needs of our community.
2. Recommend revisions to the 2015-2020 Water System Plan. This option will delay Plan implementation.
Financial Impact:
The source of funds for the Water System Plan is the Drinking Water Utility. The plan recommendations will have utility rate and General Facility Charge (GFC) implications. Chapter 14 of the draft plan outlines the financial program for the utility.
Attachment(s):
1. Utility Advisory Committee Letter of Support
2. Water System Plan- Executive Summary
3. Link to draft Water System Plan and Appendices