Dam water system leaks need to be addressed
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
February 10, 2012
The City of Libby will pursue the construction of an access road to move equipment into the site of the new Flower Creek Dam.
A bigger issue the City Counsel is going to have to address is the estimated loss of upwards of 75% of the treated water to leaks in the distribution system and other lost treated water to non-beneficial use. To correct the problem could cost $1.8 million dollars.
The City may not have a choice. The funding from UDSA for construction of the dam may hinge on the City's decision to correct the deficiencies in the distribution system. If the distribution system is not part of the project, USDA may not be willing to loan as much for the dam only, increasing the funding gap to be absorbed by water rate payers.
The bottom line is the City can build just the dam with less funding made available, or build the dam and replace the distribution system for the same amount of money due to higher funding participation from the funding sources if the City commits to doing both projects.
Regardless the rate payers are part of the equation and water rates will increase.
The dam is a $5 to $7 million dollar project and added the replacement of the distribution system including the 1950 vintage asbestos concrete main line from the dam to the treatment plant, would bring the total project to nearly $8.5 million at completion.
Construction is to start mid-2013 and be completed by January 2014.
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By Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com e-mail: klcb@frontiernet.net.
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