Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with LOTT Clean Water Alliance for Class A+ Reclaimed Water Demonstration Pilot Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement between LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the City of Olympia for participation in the Class A+ Reclaimed Water Demonstration Pilot Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Interlocal Agreement between LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the City of Olympia to financially contribute to the Class A+ Reclaimed Water Demonstration Pilot Project.
Staff Contact:
Mike Vessey, Drinking Water Utility Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8318
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance propose to enter into an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to support the Class A+ Reclaimed Water Pilot Project. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the feasibility of treating reclaimed water to potable standards. This effort is structured as a multi-year, multi-phase project, with participation from City staff on the pilot project team.
Under the proposed ILA, Olympia will contribute $50,000 to this project. The cities of Lacey and Tumwater, along with Thurston County, are also entering into separate ILAs with LOTT and contributing comparable funding. This regional collaboration reflects a shared commitment to evaluating reclaimed water as a potential resource to support sustainable water management in Thurston County.
Participation in the project will enable the following:
• Generate meaningful data and insights that can inform and influence future regulatory approaches to potable reuse.
• Provide important information to guide future decisions about potable reuse and long-term water supply planning.
The pilot is being conducted in close coordination with the Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Ecology to ensure compliance with public health and environmental regulations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia community members are highly engaged in issues related to water quality, sustainability, and long-term resource management. Residents and neighborhood groups have expressed interest in how reclaimed water could contribute to a reliable and resilient local water supply, while ensuring public health and environmental protection. Transparency, safety, and stewardship of natural resources remain key community priorities as the Parties advance the pilot project.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement between LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the City of Olympia for participation in the Class A+ Reclaimed Water Demonstration Pilot Project.
2. Request staff to amend the proposed Interlocal Agreement. This could delay the pilot project, limit the City’s ability to participate in shaping the evaluation process and may affect regional coordination on water reuse planning.
3. Take other action.
Financial Impact:
If signed, the ILA will commit the City of Olympia to contribute $50,000 to LOTT towards the pilot project. Funds will come from the Drinking Water Capital Fund.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
LOTT Project website: www.lottcleanwater.org/class-a-reclaimed-water/