Council authorizes emergency rehab of raw water pumps to restore treatment capacity

City public works staff described an emergency repair plan for two raw water pumps that convey river water to the treatment plant and the council approved the proposed rehabilitation Sept. 15.

Public works staff explained the pumps were designed to provide roughly 700 gallons per minute (gpm) each, but one pump is currently delivering only about 550 gpm and the system must run both pumps to reach design flow. Staff recommended rehabilitating the wet ends on the existing pumps for about $70,000 rather than immediately replacing entire pumps, which were estimated at $275,000–$375,000 each and could take 26 weeks to deliver. "We're asking to propose emergency rehabilitation in the amount of 70,000 to replace the wet ends instead of replacing the pumps at 200 with 275 to 375,000," the presenter said.

Council approved the emergency repairs by voice vote. Staff said new pumps will be ordered while rehabilitation restores capacity quickly and uses the existing motors to shorten downtime. The city will proceed with emergency procurement consistent with existing policies and follow up with documentation to council as needed.