Lacey to submit Water System Plan for state review

Lacey City Council has greenlit its draft Comprehensive Water System Plan (WSP) to be sent to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

During the council’s work session on October 26, staff reported that the WSP is essential for ensuring the reliability and sustainability of Lacey's water supply.

“Developing a long-term planning strategy for the city’s water service area is critical to maintaining the level of service customers expect, while allowing for continued growth of the community,” the staff report read.

The WSP is required for compliance with DOH regulations, and outlines how the city's water infrastructure will meet current and future demands.

The proposed WSP begins with an overview of Lacey's existing water system, covering its structure, management, and historical background.

This is followed by a section outlining specific policies related to the water utility, including protocols for handling emergencies and ensuring system reliability.

The plan also delves into forecasting the city's water demands for the next two decades, with an anticipated increase from 7.7 million gallons per day to 10.0 million gallons per day.

Staff anticipate a 90-day waiting period for DOH to review the proposed plan. Once approved by the state agency, the city council will need to officially adopt the new WSP. The current WSP for the city was adopted in 2013.