Following angst among developers over the summer with reports the water infrastructure in Chehalis’ south urban growth area (UGA) could not handle any more new construction, the consultant firm Kennedy Jenks has completed a comprehensive study to determine the infrastructure’s actual capacity, according to a city news release.
The study found there is enough water to meet the city’s needs.
“Existing water infrastructure can deliver the water needed for new development in the city’s UGA south of city limits according to dynamic water modeling results,” the release stated.
Even with the good news, city staff are moving forward with two water infrastructure improvement projects in the area — the Bishop Road loop project and Market Street pinch point project.
“Chehalis continues to move forward with Market Street pinch point and Bishop Road loop water pipeline projects to enhance water capacity needed for housing and economic development into the 2030s,” the city stated in the release.
During a July 24 Chehalis City Council workshop concerning this issue, Chehalis Public Works Director Lance Bunker laid out the projects’ details and costs.
Bunker expected the Bishop Road project to be completed by the end of the year. It will connect two water main lines and increase service reliability and fire flow to the south UGA, he added. Bunker said the project would cost approximately $1.1 million.
The Market Street project’s start will depend on how the Bishop Road loop affects the city’s ability to deliver water to customers in the south UGA.
When completed, it will include a water main line size increase from 8 inches to 16 inches from 11th Street to 21st Street along Market Street and an upgraded pump station. Bunker expected the project to cost approximately $6 million.
According to the release, city staff will remain vigilant for any new potential water infrastructure issues that might arise moving forward.
For more information, contact Bunker at lbunker@ci.chehalis.wa.us or 360-345-1042, or Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson at janderson@ci.chehalis.wa.us or 360-345-1220.
