Sedalia’s water system is aging, with many parts of the system reportedly being about a 100 years old.
A news release from the water department says it recently has begun a multiphase project to improve the system to alleviate the calcium and mineral buildup in the 4-inch lines, which has reduced them to 2-inch lines, severely affecting water flow and pressure for some residents.
Improving the water delivery system reportedly will have a positive economic impact because fire insurance rates have a direct relationship to water pressure.
During the project, 4-inch lines will be replaced with 6-, 8- and 10-inch lines, and many fire hydrants will be repaired or replaced. The work will be broken up into three sections of the city beginning this summer and estimated to last about a year and a half.
The project is estimated to cost about $11.2 million, which will cause an increase of $3.14 per month for residential customers, beginning with their April 2018 water bill. This will be an increase in the monthly service charge, but the volume charge with remain the same. Businesses also will see an increase in their monthly service charge.