Willamette Treatment Plant FAQ
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Q: How much will the project cost?
A: Currently, the Willamette Water Treatment Plant is budgeted at $100 million over the course of six years. Although we are planning to fund the project through capital reserves and revenue bonds, EWEB is actively pursuing other sources of funding.A: Currently, the Willamette Water Treatment Plant is budgeted at $100 million over the course of six years. Although we are planning to fund the project through capital reserves and revenue bonds, EWEB is actively pursuing other sources of funding.
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Q: How will the project impact customer rates?
A: EWEB implemented a water rate increase in 2023 to start saving for the construction of the Willamette Water Treatment Plant and spread out the cost burden on customers . The current projection for a fully rate-funded project shows a $7.91/month increase to the average single-family residence by the end of our 10-year...A: EWEB implemented a water rate increase in 2023 to start saving for the construction of the Willamette Water Treatment Plant and spread out the cost burden on customers. The current projection for a fully rate-funded project shows a $7.91/month increase to the average single-family residence by the end of our 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, which would move us from second lowest to fourth lowest in rates among our comparators. We hope to bring that number down by utilizing outside funding opportunities.
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Q: Where will the new plant be located?
A: Under the proposed plans, EWEB would draw water from the Willamette just below the confluence of the Coast Fork and the Middle Fork. The treatment plant would be located in Glenwood, between the Willamette River and I-5.A: Under the proposed plans, EWEB would draw water from the Willamette just below the confluence of the Coast Fork and the Middle Fork. The treatment plant would be located in Glenwood, between the Willamette River and I-5.
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Q: When will construction begin?
A: While EWEB has been planning for years for a second source project, a great deal of work remains, including working with the City of Springfield to resolve the exact location of a treatment plant and land use permitting. We are still exploring additional funding opportunities (bonds, grants, federal programs, etc.) At this...A: While EWEB has been planning for years for a second source project, a great deal of work remains, including working with the City of Springfield to resolve the exact location of a treatment plant and land use permitting. We are still exploring additional funding opportunities (bonds, grants, federal programs, etc.)
At this time, EWEB's long-term financial plan has construction tentatively starting in 2026.
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Q: What other work is EWEB doing to improve the resiliency of our water system?
A: A second treatment plant is just one of many investments EWEB is making in drinking water infrastructure. We are also strengthening our base-level water storage, building new transmission mains, developing emergency water stations, and restoring and protecting the McKenzie watershed.A: A second treatment plant is just one of many investments EWEB is making in drinking water infrastructure. We are also strengthening our base-level water storage, building new transmission mains, developing emergency water stations, and restoring and protecting the McKenzie watershed.