Public Works

Implementing the Water Master Plan in Coburg

The City is in the early implementation stage of the Water Master Plan. This project addresses the need for water for all City properties while ensuring that a water system is in place that protects public health, ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, responds to emergencies, and generally improves water infrastructure resiliency. 

Why are these updates necessary?

The City owns and operates the municipal water system which currently serves 1200 residents. We must plan for population increases.

• With the recent and anticipated residential growth, the expanded Urban Growth Boundary (108 acres on the east side of I-5), and the flourishing industrial zone, the City must consider its water source and storage needs now and in the future. 
• There is a portion of the City that continues to be served by wells on residential and commercial properties that have a history of coliform bacteria contamination as well as taste and odor issues.
• The City’s water storage is not meeting the current fire storage needs during peak conditions. 

What work will be completed under Phase I & II?

• Drilling and development of a new well field, possibly including the purchase or lease of property, and construction of a pump station. The well would be an addition to the current water source and would be available for all users. 
• Rehabilitation of existing wells. 
• Transmission lines that will be installed under I-5 to the eastside properties.
• Construction of a water reservoir on the hillside east of I-5 for more balanced pressures, reduced energy consumption, and emergency water and fire storage.

Why is this work necessary? 

The current City well field consists of two wells located fairly close together. The water master plan identified the need for an additional source to keep up with future demand and to diversify risk for contamination. Developing a third well in another area of town provides for an alternative water source, and additional water available to address the unserved, current and future growth.

How will it be paid for? 

The City applied for funding and has been approved $5,530,000 through the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program. In addition, we have applied for grant funds. 

• Debt service is paid from the revenues received from users. 
• The City currently has two water loans, one of which will be retired in 2023. This is about the same time as the total completion of the project and when the City will begin paying the full loan payments. 
• The City qualified for $780,000 in loan forgiveness which will leave the final loan at $4,750,000 on a 30 year term at 1% interest. 
• It is anticipated that the new users over the next few years will cover the cost of the future loan payments. 
• How this will affect water rates really depends on the growth between now and 2022. It is too early to give a concrete answer as there are many factors to be considered before the final water rates are set at the end of the project. However, it is anticipated that the planned growth wil be sufficient to pay its share of the water debt. Early predictions, while considering the rising costs of managing the expanding water department, could be in the $55 range for 700 cubic feet which converts to 5,236 gallons per month. Currently, the cost is $53.00. 

---

Mill Street Update

The Mill Street project is scheduled to wrap up toward the end of August. This project will address drainage issues in the streets, parking lots and alleys downtown. In addition, it will provide a beautiful and safe walking experience from the downtown to the park. The City very much appreciates the patience of businesses and residents. Please remember the businesses most affected at this time and shop locally. Please stop by Design Works, Farm Fancy, and Lucky Paws to let them know how much you appreciate their presence in the community. Perhaps it is a great opportunity to get ahead on your Christmas shopping! For more information, please see the City’s website.