City proposes water extension district for East Lawrence Drive to replace failing community well

City utilities staff presented a plan July 22 to create a water main extension district on East Lawrence Drive Southwest, proposing a $4,750 service extension charge for each of the ten properties in the district after residents reported a failing community well.

Dave Wallace of Utilities said the area is south of Wright Brothers Boulevard between the airport and I-380 and that most properties are served by private wells; eight properties share a community well that is failing and restricting water use. He said staff met with property owners three times and that six of the eight properties on the community well have already agreed to connect. The proposed water main will be constructed by city distribution crews and the extension district would include ten properties; three nearby properties that already have city water were excluded.

Staff recommended adoption of the ordinance to establish the district. The public hearing drew no objections and the council approved the ordinance on first reading; a possible second and third reading is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Why it matters: the district responds to an immediate infrastructure failure (a failing community well) and offers a cost-share model so properties can receive more reliable municipal water service.