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City of Columbia City 1840 Second Street, PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018 (503) 397-4010 |
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Water Department
The Water Department is responsible for the
operation and maintenance of the existing water distribution system, which
consists of approximately eleven miles of distribution lines, 783 service lines
and water meters, and three storage reservoirs with a combined storage capacity
of 1.4 million gallons. Water is
purchased from the City of St. Helens and pumped into Columbia City's water
reservoirs for distribution into the system.
The Department is also responsible for water construction projects, and
efforts to supplement the St. Helens water supply with water from groundwater
wells are ongoing.
The Distribution Department is funded entirely by charges for service and other sources.
The Water Department is staffed by the Public Works Superintendent, Jeff Anderson, and two Utility Workers. The Public Works Superintendent is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and the development of the City water system, and for supervising the water system maintenance staff. He can be reached by calling (503) 366-0454, or faxing to (503) 366-2870. His e-mail address is janderson@columbia-city.org, and his mailing address is PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018. The City Shop is located at 1755 Second Place.
The City has an active Water Source and Development Committee and they meet on an as-needed basis. Click here for Water Source and Development Committee Meeting Minutes.
Click here to review our 2005 Water Quality Report.
2006-07 Capital Projects:
1. “I” Street and The Strand
Waterline Project. Project consists of replacing 1,680 feet of
undersized 3-inch cast iron pipe with 8-inch PVC, and includes the installation
of 4 fire hydrants. This year's estimated costs: $22,560.
2. Public Works Yard Improvements. Project consists of residing the existing shops, adding an 800 square foot shop addition, constructing a block retaining wall along the east side of the shop site, adding fill dirt, fencing, and landscaping. This department's estimated cost: $31,258.
3. Water Source Improvements Project. Project consists of the final development of a groundwater well at the public works shop, construction of a chlorination facility, connecting the well to the distribution system, site piping, drainage facilities, and telemetry. Estimate cost: $608,500.
Department Objectives for 2006-07:
To continue to implement the City's Water Master
Plan. Target date: Ongoing.
To continue to implement a cross-connection program
to require backflow devices for all new construction and a retrofitting program
for existing water connections in an effort to fully protect the City's water
distribution system. Target date: Ongoing.
To continue "looping water lines" when
possible to ensure fresh drinking water in accordance with the Water Master
Plan. Target date: Ongoing.
To annually flush the water system and exercise all
fire hydrants. Target date: Ongoing.
To continue to meet all requirements and
regulations governing public water systems through upgraded facilities and
well-educated staff. Target date: Ongoing.
To continue to provide the community with quality
water that meets all Oregon Drinking Water Program standards. Target date: Ongoing.
To emphasize special training and education of
department employees. Target date: Ongoing.
To communicate with the City Council in the form of
a monthly activities report and with the citizens through the City's
newsletter, the annual Consumer Confidence Report, and the City's Web
site. Target date: Ongoing.
To pursue the completion of scheduled water
improvement projects as identified in the City's Five-Year Capital Improvement
Program and as addressed by City Council Goal Number 1. Target date: Ongoing.
To continue to upgrade the City's water meter system to consist of touch read and radio read meters. Target date: December 2007.
Prior Year Accomplishments:
An emphasis was placed on leak detection and leak repair, and our water losses due to leaks is now at an all-time low. The low leak loss adds capacity to our water system, and has significantly reduced our wholesale purchase costs for water. The City is continuing its program to test all backflow assemblies. The City installs new backflow prevention devices with all new service requests, and a retrofitting program is currently being implemented that will eventually result in a fully protected water system. The Department continues to install new drive-by meters to upgrade the water meter reading system, working towards a completely automated reading system. The Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan was updated.