Davis discusses what could be a very expensive water project that just might be worth it as there are not a whole lot of options for Davis to get water.
City Council evaluates city water supply
Plan proposes use of surface water
Michael Bott, Posted: 11/16/06
The Davis Public Works Department presented to the Davis City Council an update on the Davis-Woodland Water Supply Project and wastewater treatment plant, two interconnected plans that would improve water quality in Davis, at Tuesday night's meeting.
With a price tag of $140 million, the plan would route Sacramento River water to a wastewater treatment plant, which would ultimately be the source of Davis' drinking water.
Currently, Davis drinking water is pumped from mid-level and deep-level wells and does not go through any sort of treatment process, according to Bob Weir, director of the Davis Public Works Department. Among the project's objectives are cleaner drinking water, improved wastewater discharge quality and a more diversified water portfolio.
"Moving toward treated water will get us closer to assuring that we have adequate protection for higher quality water," Weir said.
Included in the project's cost is the infrastructure needed to route water from the Sacramento River to Davis, which consists of a regional water treatment plant, conveyance pipelines, storage facilities, local water system improvements, wells for peak demand and the retirement of old intermediate depth wells.
Councilmember Stephen Souza said that despite the project's immense cost, the city of Davis will save money in the long run by switching to surface water.
"For somebody that deals with a million gallons of water every week, I can tell you that the change to surface water will result in a savings for every member of the community," Souza said.
He noted that by following through with the project, Davis will save money in indirect ways.
According to Souza, residents will need to use less water in the laundry; plumbing fixtures will be replaced less as a result of lower salt content; swimming pool water can be used for longer periods; and people will drink less tap water.
Mayor Sue Greenwald, however, said by switching to surface water, Davis residents will face a 300 percent increase in their water bills. Weir estimated the average single-family household in Davis pays $1,000 per year for its water, sewage and storm bills combined. Greenwald said rates would rise to $3,000 per year, one of the highest in the state.
