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The political rumors flying recently hinting at a steep increase in water and sewer rates to finance a new sewer plant were premature and have subsided for the moment. While the old plant is now almost twenty years old and showing its age, the bigger and more immediate problem, according to the state EPD and water and sewer director Butch Watson, is the condition of the city sewer lines, some of which are eighty years old.

On a tour of the sewer plant, Watson pointed out the deteriorated condition of the pond liners, stressing the need to begin planning for a new plant in the not-too-distant future. Replacement or repair of the liners while continuing to operate the ponds is not a feasible option.

Watson also explained and demonstrated the challenge in maintaining the infrastructure of the total system, especially the constant battle to maintain the sewer lines. Breaks in the terra cotta pipe and deteriorated seals in sections result in constant leaks and infiltration. Extensive replacement of sewer lines would be prohibitively expensive; therefore, the city has little choice but to maintain what it has.

Another system problem is grease, which Watson showed us at a lift station with extreme accumulation. Grease inhibits bacterial action necessary to properly treat sewage. Some restaurants and other facilities that are substantial grease producers need to do a better job of cleaning and maintaining their grease traps according to Watson. Other facilities, he said, do not even have grease traps, releasing effluent directly into the system.

This is a problem that Watson says the city is beginning to address with specific customers.

The council and mayor are acutely aware of the complexity of the sewer system problems, and, along with City Manager Greg Scott, have placed a high priority on a thorough study during the coming year.

The technology in the existing plant is obsolete. A new plant, in current dollars, would cost an estimated six million dollars. Government grants are available to offset part of the cost; however, the several million dollars the city would need to borrow probably would require at least modest increases in water/sewer rates.

City residents enjoy a bargain when it comes to water and sewer cost. Base cost is sixteen dollars, eight each for water and sewer. After that, cost for each thousand gallons of water is $2.50 for water and $2.00 for sewer. A customer using three thousand gallons of water a month, for example, would pay $29.50 for both water and sewer. Customers outside the city pay a higher rate.