Creston Water approves 12 Mile plant repairs

Although approval was given to the bid for the repairs at 12 Mile Lake treatment plant, the final cost has yet to be determined.

Creston Water Works board approved the bid of $2.97 million from Building Crafts on Tuesday, Dec. 14 during its regular meeting. Plans are to replace the 40-year-old infrastructure. Creston Water Works General Manager Steve Guthrie said there were some questions about the project which will be reflected in the final price. He and Building Crafts were to finalize those costs.

The work may begin in February with a completion date by the end of 2022.

Building Crafts was one of three bids submitted. Building Craft was the lowest bid by about $157,000.

In other water board news...

Guthrie was hopeful funding to replace lead water pipes was included in President Biden’s infrastructure bill approved in November. Guthrie said Creston has nearly 400 sections of water line including lead pipe. Lead tainted drinking water can cause health issues.

Guthrie said he has not found details of the legislation determining who is responsible for replacing the pipe; the utility provider or the property owner.

Water works has also seen inflation with its price of chemicals over the year.

Creston Water Works has a rate increase of 4.5% beginning July 1, 2022, and 4% on July 1, 2023.