Savannah's Water Infrastructure: A Necessary Investment with a Price Tag
The City of Savannah is embarking on a significant water infrastructure project, investing $477.8 million over the next five years to maintain and improve its water and sewer systems. This ambitious plan, which includes the issuance of $357.5 million in revenue bonds, is a necessary step to address the city's growing needs and ensure reliable service. However, it also comes with a price, as residents will see a steady increase in water and sewer rates, averaging about a $4.34 monthly increase by 2030.
The primary goal of this project is to maintain and enhance system reliability, performance, and capacity. Savannah's Chief of Water Resources, Ron Felder, emphasizes the importance of reinvesting funds into the five wastewater treatment plants, which are crucial for the city's growth and development. The plan includes two major projects, each costing over $100 million, to address aging infrastructure and future demand.
One project involves building a new water reclamation facility at the Georgetown treatment plant, which services the southwest quadrant of the city. This facility, costing $125 million, aims to address aging infrastructure, anticipated updates to state discharge regulations, and future customer demand. The treatment capacity will increase from 2.45 million gallons per day to 4 MGDs, ensuring the city can meet new permit requirements effectively.
The second major project is an expansion of the Travis Field water reclamation facility, which serves the northwest part of the county. The plan is to duplicate its existing capabilities, increasing treatment capacity from 4 MGDs to 8 MGDs. This expansion is crucial to accommodate the city's growing population and industrial base.
The city's water and sewer enterprise fund, supported entirely by user fees, is not sufficient to fund these ambitious projects. Therefore, the city has had to blend the enterprise fund with borrowed money to address its needs. While the rate increases may seem significant, Felder argues that they are necessary to reinvest in the infrastructure and ensure the city's long-term sustainability.
In conclusion, Savannah's water infrastructure project is a necessary investment to maintain and improve the city's water and sewer systems. While it comes with a price tag, the city must prioritize system reliability and performance to accommodate its growing population and industrial base. The project's success will depend on effective management and communication with residents to ensure a smooth transition and a sustainable future for the city's water infrastructure.
