Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority Decides To Look Again At Pipeline Meant To Serve Southend

Friday, August 29, 2014

AVOCA -- Plans to build a multimillion dollar pipeline to meet peak water needs in areas such as Lincoln and Prairie Grove stalled at a Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority meeting Thursday.

The proposal and other options will be reviewed again by the authority's Long Range Planning Committee, said Scott Borman, general manager.

Earlier this month, the committee approved by a 2-1 vote to move forward on an $8 million project called the Wildcat Connection. On Thursday, two board members raised more questions about the plan and asked about less costly alternatives.

A report by Crist Engineers will be expanded to include more information, board members decided.

The Wildcat Connection is expected to mean a raise in water rates to cities the authority serves, if approved. The authority's water rate is $2.15 per 1,000 gallons. If the project is approved as is, the rate increase would be roughly 10 percent, Borman said in an email.

The Wildcat Connection includes a new booster pump station and a 24-inch diameter water line. Water would go to the Washington Water Authority, which would operate and maintain the line, Borman said. The 36,500-foot line would connect to the 24-inch authority water line near Siloam Springs and the Washington County Water Authority line on Wildcat Creek Road, according to the report by Crist Engineers.

The final route hasn't been determined, Borman said.

Without improvements, the authority's water system won't be able to meet demands for its southernmost customers over the long term, Borman said.

The system there was "maxed out" two days in August as temperatures soared and water use increased, Borman said. Temperatures were mostly mild this summer, but Borman said he worries the authority will be unable to meet demands during a hot and dry summer season.

NW News on 08/29/2014