Water system upgrades : EWEB

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Water system upgrades

The Eugene Water & Electric Board's ability to provide nearly 200,000 people and businesses with clean water from the McKenzie River depends on an efficient and modern water-distribution system. Without water, we cannot survive.

But the 800 miles of pipes, 26 enclosed reservoirs and other facilities that deliver water to customers' taps are in serious need of major reinvestments to ensure that customers continue to get reliable, high-quality water.

To address a backlog of repairs, maintenance and improvements, EWEB has increased its efforts to rebuild or replace aging infrastructure, parts of which date back to the early days of the utility's founding in 1911.

EWEB is not alone in its need to address an aging water system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that cities and public water districts need nearly $300 billion in upgrades.

Quick facts: Why we need to increase investment in our water system

Current projects

Water Capital Improvement Plan outlines costs

In September 2007, EWEB commissioners approved a new Water Capital Improvement Plan that addresses this need for increased spending. The plan calls for reinvesting $130 million over the next decade to improve, repair and maintain the water system.

These investments come at a price, as water system improvements are largely funded through rates and by development fees that are charged for new water hookups.

EWEB increased average water rates by 20 percent in 2008. The utility plans smaller, single-digit increases for most of the following nine years. The actual rate increase will vary by type of customer.

EWEB rates still among lowest in Oregon

Currently, EWEB customers pay among the lowest water rates among 11 comparable cities in western Oregon and Washington.

EWEB water also is extremely cheap when compared to bottled water. A gallon of EWEB water is less than two tenths of a penny (0.13 cents); a gallon of bottled water costs $3 to $6, depending on the brand.

EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD