Richmond advances water‑system work: leak detection paid from ARPA; AMI meters completed; Olsson to design mains and plant upgrades

The city moved multiple pieces of its water‑system program forward in 2022: acoustic leak detection, completion of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) rollout, and selection of an engineer to design prioritized water main replacements and water‑treatment plant upgrades.

In April, Olsson arranged an acoustic leak‑detection contract with a subcontractor (WaterNet). The council approved using ARPA funds to pay the initial Olsson invoice for the leak‑detection investigation, then accepted the Phase 1 recommendations to prioritize replacement segments identified in the Water System Master Plan.

Separately the city wrapped up an AMI meter replacement program. City staff signed final completion paperwork to close the AMI master agreement and to record credits for returned meters and final change orders.

For design and engineering, Olsson was selected after a qualifications review to provide planning and design services for roughly 26,000 linear feet of main replacement and water plant rehabilitation; council authorized a combined engineering contract with a lump‑sum fee. Staff said design work begins immediately with bids and construction expected in the next 12–24 months, contingent on grant and bond proceeds.

Officials noted the interconnection between grant timing (including a state ARPA water infrastructure program), bond proceeds and the Master Plan phasing. Council approved Olsson’s design agreement and agreed to advance Phase 1 replacements as funding allows.

Council emphasized coordination between engineering, finance, and public works so that design, bidding and construction are sequenced to reduce costs and maximize grant chance.