New plant coming on line; water bill mix up

To The Eagle:

We have some really big news coming for the public utility customers of the Town of Cathlamet. We anticipate that we will be diverting all waste water from the town up to our new treatment plant starting the week of November 4. The plant is functioning, and we will be in a 30 day proving period for the month of November. We will arrange tours of the facility for those who wish to learn more about what all the labor has been creating. Please let me know if you would like to look around at the new plant.

For water customers, we had a hand held computer malfunction on the last day of meter reading. The town will be billing all customers at the base rate of 350 cubic feet. Then your November bill (which you get in December) will include the charges for any overage for the two month period. For customers who get an October bill much less than usual, this is a chance to review your water use practices and see where conservation could help. There are many sources on line to help with ideas about reducing water use; start with repairing running toilets, leaking faucets and look at your use of appliances. If you garden, think about efficient watering practices. Most of us learned to brush our teeth with the water running, turn off that tap while you brush!

Some people are confused and think that the new plant opposite the school is for drinking water treatment—it is not. You could drink the water that comes from this plant, or the Cathlamet pool, but… I would suggest drinking the water that comes out of your faucet instead. The new plant is a waste water (sewer) plant and is completely funded by those connected to the town’s sewage collection system.

It has been my pleasure to work for the town for a year now. What a learning curve! What a year! If you have suggestions about how your town’s public works could be better, please let me know.

Duncan Cruickshank, Cathlamet Public Works

Duncan@townofcathlamet.com, 360-957-7167