Water District Newsletter 08/24
BRWD Expands Powers to Include Sanitation Services Following Legislative Changes
In a significant development for local infrastructure, the Blue River Water District (BRWD) has officially adopted new powers allowing it to operate as a sanitary district, following a 2021 legislative change. This resolution, formalized in August/September 2023, grants BRWD the authority to exercise the powers outlined in ORS 264.335 and ORS 264.336, particularly in areas affected by the 2020 wildfires. Additionally, BRWD’s operations will now fall under the governance of ORS 450.005 – 450.245, expanding its capacity to manage both water and sanitation services for the community.
Sanitation Project Advances
The sanitation project, a key initiative under BRWD's expanded powers, has recently completed its feasibility study and is set to enter the engineering phase in September 2024. However, funding remains a critical issue, with only 25% of the necessary financial resources secured so far. Long-term budgeting has not yet begun, but the district is actively pursuing additional funding sources.
Two sites have been identified and reserved for the project’s essential drain fields: Blue River Park and a 16-acre site. Both locations are currently undergoing further study to ensure their suitability for the community’s sanitation system and meet DEQ’s requirements.
Water District Improvements and Rebuild Efforts
BRWD has also made significant strides in improving its water district infrastructure. Key achievements include:
- Repairing 11 leaks, including a major leak that had been losing 2 million gallons of water per month since 2001.
- Launching a new website server, Streamline, dedicated to special districts, with ongoing information migration to blueriverwaterdistrict.com.
- Upgrading the water system to meet industry standards, including inspecting and cleaning water reservoirs.
- Installing a new Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and a TOSIBOX system, enabling remote management of the water system.
- Completing 90% of the well house replacements. Due to finish September 1st, 2024.
- Establishing regular meter reading and monthly water testing protocols as per state regulations.
- Bringing the Secretary of State documentation up to date, a task that had not been completed since 2017.
- Establishing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Rainbow Water District for consulting, billing, and emergency assistance.
- GPS-locating all meters and hydrants, uncovering three previously unknown hydrants and numerous unbilled meters in the process.
The district’s efforts to rebuild the water system are progressing well, with engineering work expected to be completed by September 2024. The project is scheduled to go out for bid in October 2024, with construction anticipated to begin in early spring 2025. Unlike the sanitation project, funding for the water system rebuild is already in place, ensuring a smooth path forward for this essential infrastructure upgrade.
BRWD's ongoing commitment to enhancing water and sanitation services reflects its dedication to the long-term well-being and resilience of the community.