CHENEY – Public Works Director Todd Ableman presented an overview of the city’s water system, highlighting the distribution and status of its eight municipal wells and reservoirs during the council meeting on July 23.
Ableman addressed current challenges, such as contamination issues at Well 5 and the need to maintain water pressure during high-demand periods, while emphasizing the city’s water conservation efforts and future plans to support Cheney’s growth.
Presenting a map, Ableman explained the city’s eight municipal wells, noting their distribution across the city. “You can see that wells one and two are kind of in the center of the campus,” he said. “Our wells are spread throughout the city.”
Ableman highlighted that Well 5 has been out of service due to contamination concerns. “We believe it’s an isolated source,” he noted, indicating potential local contamination.
The city is considering installing a filtration system similar to one used in Airway Heights, with an estimated cost of about $4 million.
Addressing water pressure maintenance, Ableman explained the crucial role of booster stations. “Booster stations act as constants, putting pressure into the system to maintain adequate pressure,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining at least 30 pounds of pressure, especially during high-demand periods.
Ableman discussed the city’s efforts to balance water supply and demand. He mentioned that Cheney’s indoor water usage is below the national average, but outdoor usage is nearly double, primarily due to the city’s many parks and playfields. To reduce outdoor water use, the city is exploring zero-scaping options.
Looking ahead, Ableman outlined plans to enhance the water system to accommodate Cheney’s growth. This includes securing funding for system upgrades and exploring new technologies to address contamination issues. “We have 18 months to let the Department of Health know where we’re heading,” he said regarding future actions for Well 5.
Council members expressed concerns about water loss and its impact on wells. Councilman Paul Schmidt commented, “We’ve lost a lot of gallons per minute, which puts stress on the wells.” Ableman reassured the council, explaining ongoing efforts to manage these issues and maintain reservoir levels.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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