Commissioners discuss possible consolidation of water systems

Mike Johnson, a consultant from Gray and Osborne, presented his findings on a possible consolidation of the PUD and Town of Cathlamet water systems at the Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning. Several officials from the town attended the meeting.

“Based on the board’s position that the residents would be better served under one utility provider I was tasked with finding a way to pursue this endeavor,” General Manager David Tramblie said before Johnson spoke. “About a year ago, the PUD received a grant to investigate the feasibility of combining the town and the PUD’s water systems into one entity under the ownership of the PUD.”

Johnson compared the town’s system and the Puget Island water system. The town serves less people but uses approximately 52,000 more gallons of water each day, likely because some of it’s customers are commercial instead of residential.

He pointed out that the Puget Island water system was primarily a distribution, while the town system had a water source, could treat and store water, and provide distribution.

According to Johnson, the Department of Health wanted to know the condition of the existing system in the study, including a capacity assessment, identification of necessary improvements and specific operational, management and financial issues associated with a potential consolidation.

“The town water system condition is good,” Johnson said. “The source, the pumps are good, there is a capacity issue with the pipe that goes under the river that I think most everybody is aware of. I listed that as fair. The storage and treatment system is in good condition, the booster pump is in good condition. Distribution system is fair, because it exceeds DOH’s goal of 10 percent distribution leakage.”

Leakage is currently at 21 percent.

“There are some issues there that need to be targeted and updated over time,” Johnson said.

He recommended a standby generator at the water treatment plant and upgrades to the finished water pumps. There were fire flow deficiencies in some areas as well.

Altogether he suggested what could amount to $1,075,000 in repairs.

The Town of Cathlamet’s Superintendent of Public Works Duncan Cruickshank asked if the PUD had any interest in running the sewer district.

“We’re not chomping at the bit,” PUD Commissioner Bob Jungers said.

“I think what my commissioners main emphasis has been to me is that we need to look at what is in the best interest of the community as far as the ability to serve and the potential rates not only now but 20 years from now,” Tramblie said. “Would a consolidation lessen the financial impact down the road? I think that should be the core of our discussions.”

Mayor Dale Jacobson agreed.

There will be further discussions about the matter.

Later, Commissioner Gene Healy expressed his concerns about what taking on the sewer system and the water system would do to the PUD’s credit rating.

“I’m not willing to have this PUD financially strapped,” he said. “I just want that on the record, that’s got to be a major consideration.”

The next PUD meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the PUD meeting room.