To enhance water conservation and emergency preparedness, Manzanita and Nehalem have collaborated to establish an emergency water intertie. This summer, Nehalem faced a level two water conservation status due to low surface water levels. Concurrently, Manzanita is developing a comprehensive water system replacement plan, focusing on both immediate water supply needs and long-term sustainable water management.
The City Manager was directed by the Council at the most recent Manzanita City Council meeting to finalize an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the intertie with Nehalem. This initiative ensures a reliable emergency water source for both communities, demonstrating a proactive stance in emergency preparedness and inter-municipal cooperation.
The establishment of this intertie is notably cost-effective, with hard costs under $1200. It replaces an older, inoperable intertie, enhancing the infrastructure’s functionality, in a new location. City Manager Leila Aman, in collaboration with the city attorney, has been instrumental in creating the IGA for this project which took several months to complete.
The IGA is a comprehensive document outlining the responsible municipalities for this project including the location and details of the construction process, as well as associated costs. Nehalem holds ownership of the infrastructure and is responsible for its insurance. The agreement defines the terms related to water supply, including the quantity and cost of water, and stipulates the conditions under which water will be supplied. It also establishes criteria for determining emergencies during which the intertie would be utilized. Additionally, the agreement includes clauses for access and potential future amendments.
You can watch the full presentation by Aman to the City Council here: