After years of water pressure issues and recent service outages, the Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority is accelerating plans to replace a troublesome section of waterline in an effort to improve reliability for customers.
According to a report from WRCB Channel 3 in Chattanooga, the department plans to replace more than a mile of waterline and install additional pressure-reducing valves to help prevent future breaks and service disruptions.
Walker County Water and Sewerage General Manager Brandon Whitley told WRCB that the improvements are already accounted for in the department’s budget and customers will not see a rate increase under the newly approved spending plan.
“We just passed our budget that has no rate increase in it,” Whitley said.
Whitley explained that the department has not increased water rates in three years, despite the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and responding to unexpected repairs.
Unlike many county departments, Walker County Water and Sewerage operates independently of county government and relies on revenue generated from water and sewer services rather than taxpayer dollars.
Whitley acknowledged the challenges of balancing infrastructure improvements with keeping utility bills affordable for residents.
The department is currently ordering materials for the replacement project. However, Whitley said the larger portion of the work will likely need to be scheduled around school holidays to minimize disruptions to customers.
The accelerated project comes as the department continues dealing with aging waterlines, pressure problems, and emergency repairs throughout its service area.
Whitley said the authority already has an extensive waterline replacement program in place, but unexpected emergencies can affect the timing of planned improvements.
In addition to the immediate replacement project, the department is conducting a broader water and sewer infrastructure study. That study will help officials identify future needs, address pressure concerns, and prepare for continued growth across Walker County.
While customers will not face a rate increase in the newly approved budget, Whitley emphasized that maintaining aging infrastructure while keeping water bills affordable remains an ongoing challenge.
The department has not announced a specific start date for the major waterline replacement project.
Information for this report was provided by WRCB Channel 3 in Chattanooga.