Council approves $65,000 scope to evaluate alternative water sources and treatment options

The City of Moses Lake authorized staff on May 18 to move forward with consultant task orders to evaluate alternative water sourcing and treatment options and to generate high‑level cost estimates.

Lee Ramsey presented the scope and said the work will examine centralized lake withdrawal and multiple small withdrawal sites, canal withdrawal and associated treatment needs, shallow well locations previously identified, and aquifer storage and recharge options. Ramsey said existing contracts with three consultants would be used to complete the work and that two task orders have short (six‑week) windows; the total cost requested is about $65,000 and the funds would come from the water operations fund balance.

Councilmembers emphasized speed because the results will inform upcoming budget work. Ramsey said the intent is to compile data and cost ranges no later than year‑end and report back with recommendations for which options the city should pursue further.

Why it matters: Moses Lake faces a constrained water supply and city leaders have identified alternative sources and treatment options as a top multi‑year priority. The task orders are intended to produce actionable cost and feasibility data that will shape capital and operational budgeting.

Next steps: Staff will execute the task orders, receive consultant reports and present findings and recommendations to council for direction on which projects to advance.