Loyaltons Mayor says there could be lawn issues by summer if aging water infrastructure is not fixed.
Loyalton’s water woes began in October last year when the water main broke, leaking thousands of gallons of water into the ground and prompting a boil water notice. Repairs were made, yet the WWII-era system is rapidly decaying, springing up leaks throughout the town. An Ad Hoc committee has since been formed, meeting monthly to address how to obtain funding through grants and other means to replace the infrastructure. Even though the water lines are outdated, Mayor Jackson confirmed Loyalton’s water is safe to drink and there is enough water to meet current demands. Yet she added if they cannot fix the large 10in main, there will be lawn issues come summer. Repairs to the main are also needed to avoid concerns for sustainable pressure for fire suppression in the warmer months and increased household demand. In a fire, the water system operator will go on standby to monitor pump pressure and tank levels to prevent pipes from collapsing or running out of water.
The ad hoc committee aims to prevent this by securing funding to break ground as soon as possible. The city has applied for a 150,000 dollar USDA planning grant for initial construction repair and equipment and another million dollars for construction. The city has also been awarded 80 thousand dollars through the DWR to repair a leak outside the Van Daam property, with work expected to begin in early April. The ad hoc committee is targeting June 30th for the 400 feet of the 10-inch line to be replaced with the help of former water system operator John Cussins. They have 70% of the needed connections and valves to make the run work but lack labor and excavators.
The ad hoc committee will meet again on April 6th at 5:30 in city hall.