By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Water pressure in northwest Hays is not as strong as it is south of Interstate 70.
Plans to install a second waterline under I-70 will correct the problem as well as provide better fire protection and a redundant water supply to the growing number of businesses north of I-70.
According to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, water north of I-70 is supplied by a single 16-inch water main.
“In 1993 this line was installed as well as the half-million gallon water tower north of Hays to supply the few businesses north of I-70,” Crispin told commissioners last week. The current above-ground booster station is located near the curve of 41st Street.
“In the last 26 years we have seen growth in this area of many businesses that are vital to our economy. A failure of that single water main under I-70 would have huge consequences to be able to provide water just for use, but most importantly fire protection.”
Crispin also noted a break in the existing line cannot be easily repaired.
A typical water main break in the city takes an average of about four hours to repair.
“That’s from notification to that you have a water leak, to repair, to the service being put back in. If you look around in the industry, that’s pretty darn good timing,” Crispin said.
If the single water line under I-70 breaks, the city will not be able to dig up I-70, according to Crispin.
“You’re talking about getting approval (from state and federal agencies) to bore a new line would take time, and then to actually bore that new line, we would probably be talking weeks in order to replace that line.”
City commissioners are expected Thursday night to approve a low bid of $769,678 from Midlands Contracting, Inc., Kearney, Neb. for construction of the second waterline crossing and a booster pump station.
Other agenda items for Oct. 24 include:
- Authorization of the 2020 health insurance plan for city employees from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The renewal cost is about two percent less than in 2019.
- Approval of up to $390,020 toward the acquisition of right-of-way and easements associated with the North Vine Street Corridor Project.
- Annexation request by Mark Ottley of property at 700 W. 48th St., formerly Mid-Kansas Auto Auction. Ottley has changed
business plans for the location and has also requested from the Hays Area Planning Commission a change of zoning from C-2
(Commercial General) to A-L (Agriculture) for a portion of the property. - Presentation of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service awards to city employees.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.