Council wrestles with water utility decisions

SPARTA — Ideas were batted back and forth in regards to the water utility capital budget at the Sparta Township meeting July 26. Last year, $500,000 was approved for a new water tank on Alpine Trail. But when the new budget asked for $753,500, board members suggested some ideas to cut back on the money allotted for water utility projects. Instead of a new water tank on Alpine Trail, they talked about putting in a booster station instead for $90,000 and use $410,000 toward water projects this year to offset the budget for this year from $763,500 to $353,500. The booster station would sustain the facility for approximately 10 years before a new tank would be needed. Board members voted to remove the Tomahawk Trail Water project this year and to look at it again next year. Discussion about water pipe maintenance, replacement and repair also took place to see if there were any ways to know exactly which length of pipe was more at risk than others. Preventative measures were discussed but fizzled, mostly because water pipes carry potable water and being able to examine pipes from the inside, like they do for sewage disposal, is nearly impossible. Since the pipes are more than 40 years old, there is no real way to know when a part of the pipe will weaken, break and need to be replaced until it actually happens. There have been much repair work already, but there is still a substantial amount of old pipe going through Sparta. Water Utility budget proposals: Tomahawk Trail Water — $130,000 Pressure reduction/sustaining chamber — $50,000 Water main replacement/repair — $353,500 Alpine Trail Main — $75,000 Radio meter change-outs — $100,000 Purchase of pressure reducing valves — $5,500 Well redevelopment at Hidden Glen — $15,000 Alternative fuel vehicle — $10,000 This is not including a $25,000 grant as part of the Sustainable Jersey program.