The Johnson City Board of Commissioners meeting on April 17, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the city's water and wastewater systems, highlighting recent challenges and future improvements.

During the meeting, Mike, a city official, reported on the resilience of the water system during two major events: the Christmas freeze of 2023 and Hurricane Helene. Thanks to substantial investments in the water treatment and distribution systems, the city successfully maintained water service despite numerous main breaks and flooding challenges. The robust infrastructure, including a well-designed raw water intake built in 2002, played a crucial role in ensuring continuous water delivery.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of the water system for fire protection, with the community maintaining a Class 1 rating for its fire protection system. This rating reflects the effectiveness of the water supply in supporting firefighting efforts.

In light of rising costs, the board proposed adjustments to connection and tap fees for water services, the first significant changes since 2012. For example, the fee for a typical water tap within city limits would increase by $140, while sewer tap fees would rise by $400. These adjustments aim to keep the city competitive with neighboring providers while supporting ongoing infrastructure improvements.

The meeting also addressed upcoming capital projects, with plans to invest approximately $13 million in water system enhancements, including a new storage tank and upgrades to pumping technology. The city currently serves about 48,000 water accounts across a 166-square-mile area, processing around 15 to 16 million gallons of water daily.

On the wastewater side, the board discussed a new ordinance to amend existing regulations and fund $41 million in capital improvements across three wastewater treatment plants. These projects will address aging infrastructure, including renovations to the Knob Creek Wastewater Plant, which dates back to 1971. The timeline for these improvements is extensive, with some projects expected to take up to eight years to complete.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its water and wastewater systems, ensuring reliable service for its residents while addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and increasing demand.