April 13, 2010

The City of Oregon Water Department has received an Award for achieving the highest standard of compliance in accordance with the Illinois Fluoridation Act.  We have had perfect compliance from 2006 through 2009.

Construction of a wastewater main extension from the Fairgrounds Subdivision lift station to the Stillman Valley National Bank Corp., is under construction and nearly complete. The project has been coordinated with the IDOT Route 2 highway improvement, making it possible for the City to take advantage of the right-of-way and restoration costs.  The business’s North of Oregon will take advantage of our gravity sewer system by connecting with individual forced systems.  The new sewer main will be available to everyone North of Oregon including a connection to the proposed DOC boat docks planned across from the Stronghold entrance. 

Progress of the sewer line was made difficult because of high water levels at the lift station, but as the project has progressed, digging has become easier and in one day Copenhaver Construction installed over 250 feet of sewer main.  Our project should be out of the way of IDOT as we schedule work away from their activities.

Construction of the wastewater plant upgrade has begun and 40-foot casings are being forced into the ground where the new clarifier will be installed.  These eight casings will have large water pumps attached and ground level water will be lowered below 25 feet so forms can be installed and concrete poured.    Excavation for the Bio-Solids building unearthed existing infrastructure that must be relocated, but progress will continue on schedule and we should have an excellent report with the next web page entry. 

At the April 12th Council Meeting an Ordinance was amended increasing water rates by 90 cents per 1000 gallons of water usage.  The prior minimum rate for 3000 gallons or less usage was $28.21 and the new rate will be $30.90.  For customers using less than 3000 gallons of water per month will have a total water bill of $41.50, which includes $10.60 for refuse service.

This is the first increase in rates in three years and it is necessary to cover costs of operation.   For the first time in the history of the Oregon water and wastewater department, actual costs and budgeting are now in place, and the department can accurately forecast future expense.  It is possible that another lesser increase will be necessary before years end, but Oregon rates will remain below average for Cities of like population in Northern Illinois. Our rates continue to be a value to users.

The GSI mapping of our water and wastewater system has been completed and maps and software will be available to the City by the first of May.