City staff says new reservoir and water plant upgrades will ease summer shortages; conservation remains priority

Estacada ' City staff gave an update on water capacity and infrastructure work during the meeting, telling council members and residents that a new reservoir and plant upgrades are underway and should reduce summer shortages.

Public commenters asked whether the new tank and upgrades would prevent future mandatory restrictions and whether citizens could petition for stricter local watering rules. Melanie and public-works staff responded that the city is constructing a new reservoir, is planning upgrades to the water treatment plant, and is working on conditions of approval for new subdivisions so those developments do not unduly strain natural resources.

Staff reported current average daily usage around one million gallons per day and said reservoir and treatment-plant upgrades will increase system resilience in peak months. Staff also noted that private homeowners associations (HOAs) have contract terms that may limit what the city can require within HOA-managed spaces and that some water conservation measures are enforceable only through private contracts or through new development conditions.

What happens next: Staff said they will continue conservation outreach, enforce conditions of approval for new development where possible, and return with more detailed engineering and timeline information as upgrades proceed.

Ending: Residents praised the plan and asked staff to provide clearer public materials about what new infrastructure will mean for seasonal restrictions and long-term supply reliability.