Willamette Treatment Plant FAQ
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Q: How much will the project cost?
A: Currently, the second source treatment plant is budgeted at $90 million over the course of six years. Although we are planning to fund the Second Source Project through capital reserves and revenue bonds, EWEB is actively pursuing other sources of funding such as the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and others.Read More See Less InformationA: Currently, the second source treatment plant is budgeted at $90 million over the course of six years. Although we are planning to fund the Second Source Project through capital reserves and revenue bonds, EWEB is actively pursuing other sources of funding such as the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and others.
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Q: How will the project impact customer rates?
A: There will be an increase in customer rates beginning in 2023 to cover the cost of the alternative water source project. However, that impact will not be fully known until we assess all the funding opportunities. The current projection for a fully rate-funded project shows a $7.91/month increase to the average...Read More See Less InformationA: There will be an increase in customer rates beginning in 2023 to cover the cost of the alternative water source project. However, that impact will not be fully known until we assess all the funding opportunities. 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.Read More See Less InformationA: 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...Read More See Less InformationA: 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.Read More See Less InformationA: 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.
