City Council approves emergency generator plan for Wells 1 and 2 upgrades

During the recent East Bethel City Council meeting, discussions centered on the critical need for emergency backup power for the city's water supply system, specifically Wells 1 and 2. Currently, the city has backup power for Wells 3 and 4, but the absence of such provisions for the northern wells poses a significant risk to water supply during power outages.

The council reviewed a proposal to install an emergency backup generator and transfer switch for Wells 1 and 2, which serve over 100 homes in the area. The project is estimated to cost approximately $64,000, with the city applying for a $10,000 source water protection grant to help offset costs. The council is considering two options: one involves a single transfer switch with a larger generator costing $40,000 after the grant, while the second option proposes two smaller generators with two transfer switches, totaling $52,680. The latter option would leave the city responsible for about $34,000 after grant funding.

The urgency of this project is underscored by the potential consequences of power loss, which could leave residents without water. The council acknowledged the importance of securing additional grants to further reduce costs, with hopes that the project will score highly in the competitive grant application process.

The discussion also highlighted the logistical aspects of the project, including the need for natural gas lines and the installation of a cement pad for the generators. While the council expressed concerns about maintaining two generators, the upfront cost savings of the dual-generator option were deemed significant.

In conclusion, the council's decision to move forward with the transfer switch installation is a proactive step towards ensuring reliable water service for the community. The project not only addresses immediate needs but also positions the city for future growth, as the capacity of Wells 1 and 2 could support further residential development in the area. The council plans to revisit the generator portion of the project once grant applications are submitted and evaluated.