Utility departments welcome break from improvement projects

McCOOK, Neb. -- Following several years of upgrade and new construction projects, which included installation of a new secondary water main and construction of cation waste lagoons at the waste water treatment plant, the McCook water and sewer departments are looking forward to taking at least a year off from big projects.

Utilities Director Jesse Dutcher visited with residents during a Coffee with a Cop meeting at McDonald's Tuesday morning and said the next targeted projects likely wouldn't occur for several years as the departments worked to build their reserve funds back up. Improvements to the water infrastructure south of Valmont, in the vicinity of South Eighth and South Seventh Street, as well as near West Fifth Street, would likely be the next improvement projects targeted.

"Our plan is to just catch our breath for at least a year," said Dutcher.

More than 8 inches of precipitation in June, compared to slightly more than 12 inches all of last year, won't make it easy for the water department to build up cash reserves this year though.

The widely celebrated June rainfall had a little-known negative impact on city water sales and related revenue. Dutcher said roughly half of the city water sales typically occur during the months of June, July and August, which represents a significant chunk of the revenue the water department receives.

"It will make this year's budget tight for sure," said Dutcher.

Dutcher said daily peak usage times for McCook water tended to follow a predictable pattern as well. The early morning hours between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. represent the highest daily peak, as many sprinkler systems were set to start and residents began their early morning routine with a shower. Water output similarly peaked in the evening around 10 p.m., as Dutcher speculated many residents started their washing machines and evening bathing occurred.

The water department has swapped out one third of its water meters with new radio meters. Dutcher said the new technology allows meter reading to occur from a vehicle within a short distance and also allows the meters to be installed indoors, in most homes.

Dutcher said the goal with upgrading to the new meters was to reduce the amount of manual reading and manpower necessary.

"What used to take five guys three days to complete, now takes a day and a half. Eventually it will only take one person to complete," said Dutcher.

Dutcher said the water department is upgrading the meters only as the older models wear out, or begin to have problems.

Renovations and upgrades to the east golf course sewer lift station were completed recently. Dutcher said the project included new pumps and controls, as well as installing an extension to improve flood tolerance of the structure. Sewer capacity for the golf course and properties in the area west of U.S. Highway 83 was also improved as a result.