We are excited to share that our Water Tank Expansion Project is nearing completion — and it’s a tremendous win for the entire Clarks Branch Water Association community.
In 2022, the CBWA Board voted to pursue funding through the Oregon Business Development Department to install a new water storage tank next to our treatment plant. This funding program provided a substantial grant along with a low-interest loan, allowing us to move forward with critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our system for decades to come.
What This Project Accomplishes
- Greatly increased water storage capacity
- Ability to shut down the treatment plant for extended repair and maintenance projects
- Improved ability to endure and manage system leaks
- Replacement of two aging tanks while ensuring safe, reliable storage for years to come
- Increased capacity to supply water to local fire departments during emergencies
- This project significantly strengthens the reliability, safety, and future readiness of our water system.
Why the $25 Assessment?
In our last newsletter communication to our members, we announced an assessment would be coming early this year. As with any large infrastructure project, there were unexpected costs along the way, including:
- Inflation in construction costs
- Increased prices for metal and tank manufacturing
- Funding required for relocation of Pacific Power lines
- Major change order for tank piping
- Addition of a flow meter required by the Oregon Health Authority
The $25 monthly assessment that has been added to member bills will go directly toward repayment of the loan portion of this project over a 30-year term. The grant funding covered a significant share of costs, helping minimize the financial impact to members while still allowing us to complete this major upgrade.
Investing in Our Future
This expansion ensures that Clarks Branch Water Association can continue providing safe, reliable water service well into the future. We appreciate your understanding and support as we make these long-term investments in our system and our community.
Coincidentally, our board was notified today by the plant operator that one of our old water tanks has a substantial leak. This goes to support our need for new water storage.
If you have questions about the assessment or the project, please join our next monthly board meeting. We encourage all members to attend at any time and we can always use volunteer board members to guide our association.
Thank you for being part of Clarks Branch Water Association.