HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-2024 AgendaPlanning Commission Meeting
J uly 2, 2024 - 6:30 P M
City Hall Council Chambers
A GE NDA
I .P UB L I C PART I C IPAT IO N
A .P ublic P articipation I nformation
The City of A uburn P lanning Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, J uly 2,
2024 at 6:30 p.m., will be held in-person and virtually. To attend the meeting virtually,
please click one of the links below, or call into the meeting at one of the phone numbers
below:
J oin Z oom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7999102307
Meeting I D: 799 910 2307
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,7999102307# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,7999102307# US
Dial by your location
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• 888 475 4499 US Toll-free
• 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
Meeting I D: 799 910 2307
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbL sn6aJ 7H
I I .C AL L T O O RD E R
A .RO L L C AL L/E S TAB L I S HM E NT O F Q UO RUM
B .P L E D G E O F AL L E G I ANC E
I I I .P UB L I C C O M M E NT
Comment from the audience on any proposal for action by the Commission. I f the comment
is related to an action subsequently listed here as a public hearing, the comment should be
provided at the time of the public hearing.
I V.AP P RO VAL O F M INUT E S
A .J une 4, 2024 Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting
Page 1 of 348
V.I NT RO D UC T I O N
A .P resentation Overview (S teiner)
B rief overview of upcoming Element Presentations and Public Hearing schedule.
V I .P UB L I C HE ARI NG S
A .Capital Facilities E lement (S teiner)
P ublic Hearing for the public testimony and Planning Commission deliberation on the
Capital Facilities E lement
V I I .O T HE R B US I NE S S
A .Utilities Element P resentation (S teiner)
S taff P resentation of the proposed changes to the Utilities Element
B .Water S ystem Plan P resentation (Vondrak)
S taff P resentation of the proposed changes to the Water System Plan
V I I I .C O M M UNIT Y D E V E L O P M E NT RE P O RT
I X.AD J O URNM E NT
The City of Auburn Planning Commission is a seven member advisory body that provides
recommendations to the Auburn City Council on the preparation of and amendments to land
use plans and related codes such as zoning. Planning Commissioners are appointed by the
Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Actions taken by the Planning Commission, other than approvals or amendments to the
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure, are not final decisions; they are in the form of
recommendations to the city council which must ultimately make the final decision.
Page 2 of 348
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
June 4, 2024 Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting
Date:
June 20, 2024
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
June 4, 2024 Minutes
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Teague
Meeting Date:July 2, 2024 Item Number:
Page 3 of 348
Planning Commission Meeting
J une 4, 2024 - 6:00 P M
Special Meeting - City Hall Council
Chambers
MINUT E S
I .V I RT UAL PART IC I PAT I O N
A .P ublic P articipation I nformation
T he City of Auburn Planning Commission M eeting was held in
person and virtually.
I I .C AL L T O O RD E R
Chair J udi Roland called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall, 25 West M ain Street.
A .RO L L C AL L/E S TAB L I S HM E NT O F Q UO RUM
Commissioners present: Chair J udi Roland, Vice Chair P hillip
S tephens, J ulie Berry, Kent S prague, William Stewart, Aaron
Vanderpol, and Lynn Walters.
S taff members present: Acting City Attorney Doug Ruth, Senior
P lanner J osh S teiner, S ewer Utility Engineer Robert Elwell, S torm
Drainage Utility Engineer T im Carlaw, Planner Gabriel Clark,
Development E ngineer M anager S teve S turza, Utilities E ngineering
M anager Ryan Vondrack, P arks P lanning and Development
M anager T haniel Gouk, Records Clerk Gerri Blackwell, and Deputy
City Clerk Rebecca Wood-P ollock
B .P L E D G E O F AL L E G I ANC E
Chair Roland led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I I I .P UB L I C C O M M E NT
T here was no public comment.
I V.AP P RO VAL O F M INUT E S
A .May 7, 2024 Draft Minutes from the Special P lanning Commission Meeting
Vice Chair Stephens moved and Commissioner S prague seconded
to approve the M ay 7, 2024 P lanning Commission M eeting M inutes.
M O T I O N C ARRI E S UNANIM O US LY. 7-0
Page 1 of 4Page 4 of 348
V.O T HE R B US I NE S S
A .P resentation Overview (Steiner)
S taff will provide a brief overview of upcoming Element Presentations and Public
Hearing schedule.
S enior Planner Steiner shared an update on the schedule for the
future presentations on Comprehensive Plan E lements and P ublic
Hearing schedule.
B .P ublic Works Comprehensive Plan S chedule Update (Gaub)
Update to Comprehensive P lan schedule for remaining P ublic Works items.
Assistant Director Sweeting shared a presentation with the
Commission on the Public Works Comprehensive P lan Schedule
Update, including changes to the Public Hearing schedule.
C.Comprehensive Plan Adoption Process Changes (Teague)
Discuss options for how P lanning Commission will adopt Comprehensive Plan
packages in 2024.
T his item was addressed after the S ewer E lement Public Hearing.
S enior Planner Steiner discussed the Comprehensive Plan
Adoption P rocess Changes, including a proposal from staff to
continue all P ublic Hearings through J uly 16, 2024 and hold on the
acceptance of Water and Sewer Elements to a later date, the
process for having the Community Development Comprehensive
P lan Elements approved by City Council, other Departments'
continuation of E lement presentations, and changes to the
Comprehensive Plan Adoption process.
D.Rules and P rocedures Updates for 2024 M eetings (Teague)
I ntroduce and discuss options for continuing two meetings per month, with 6:00 p.m.
start time, through the rest of 2024.
T his item was addressed after the S ewer E lement Public Hearing.
M anager S turza discussed updates to the Rules and P rocedures,
including moving the public hearing and deliberation for each
element to directly after the presentation, a new start time of 6:30
p.m., and scheduling two meetings per month.
Vice Chair Stephens moved and Commissioner S prague seconded
to suspend the Rules of P rocedure to address changing the start
time and frequency of regular meetings.
M O T I O N C ARRI E D UNANI M O US LY. 7-0
Commission discussed verbiage of the proposed rule amendments
Page 2 of 4Page 5 of 348
and the proposed new start time.
Vice Chair Stephens moved and Commissioner Vanderpol
seconded to amend the Rules of Procedure to hold two regular
meetings on the Tuesday following the first M onday of each month
and the Tuesday following the third M onday of each month, and
shall be open to the public. T he meeting shall convene at 6:30 p.m.,
unless otherwise directed by the S ecretary or the Chair. After
December 31, 2024, Regular meetings shall be held on the Tuesday
following the first M onday of each month and shall be open to the
public. T he meetings shall convene at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise
directed by the Secretary or the Chair.
M O T I O N C ARRI E D UNANI M O US LY. 7-0
E .P RO S Plan E lement (Gouk)
S taff presentation of the proposed changes to the P R O S P lan Element.
Director F aber, M anager Gouk, and S C J Alliance Consultant Chris
Overdorf shared a presentation with the Commission on the Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space (P RO S) P lan Element, including the
work plan, physical context, the public's demands and needs, level
of service and land development, the Capital Improvement Program,
and P ark Impact F ees.
T he Commission discussed land development, the finalized P RO S
P lan Element, park development updates, park requirements for
Homeowners Associations and housing developments, funding
sources for the Capital Improvement P lan, and grant funding.
F.S torm E lement (Carlaw)
S taff presentation of the proposed changes to the S torm Element.
E ngineer Carlaw provided a presentation to the Commission on the
S torm E lement, including an overview of the Auburn
Comprehensive Plan E lements, Plan development progress, a
storm drainage utility introduction, an overview of the chapters of
the 2024 Storm Drainage Comprehensive P lan, and the next steps
in the process.
T he Commission discussed population density, video monitoring,
flood control, bioswales, unique challenges for the City to meet
mandates, water mitigation, and financial aspects of the
Comprehensive Plan.
G.Transportation E lement (Sweeting)
S taff presentation of the proposed changes to the Transportation E lement.
Assistant Director Sweeting shared a presentation with the
Commission on the T ransportation Element, including an overview
Page 3 of 4Page 6 of 348
of the Plan, regulatory requirements, key goals and policies, an
overview of the M ultimodal Level of Service (M M L O S ) Standards, a
summary of the M M L O S Concurrency Approach, the potential
implications of the proposed changes, capital projects to address
growth and development and where they can be located on the
City's website, and the next steps in the process.
T he Commission discussed travel mode shifts, roundabouts,
middle housing in the Lea Hill neighborhood, walkability of the
Lakeland Hills neighborhood, parking, and transportation routes.
V I .P UB L I C HE ARI NG S
A .S ewer E lement (E lwell)
P ublic Hearing for the public testimony and Planning Commission deliberation on the
S ewer E lement.
T here was no public comment regarding the Public Hearing.
S ewer Utility Engineer Elwell provided a recap of the S ewer E lement
P resentation, including an update to the schedule.
Chair Roland closed the P ublic Hearing at 8:26 p.m.
V I I .AD J O URNM E NT
T here being no further business to come before the Planning
Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
AP P RO V E D this _____ day of _______, 2024.
________________________ _________________________
J UD I RO L AND, C HAIR Rebecca Wood-Pollock,
Deputy City Clerk
The City of Auburn Planning Commission is a seven member advisory body that provides
recommendations to the Auburn City Council on the preparation of and amendments to land
use plans and related codes such as zoning. Planning Commissioners are appointed by the
Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Actions taken by the Planning Commission, other than approvals or amendments to the
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure, are not final decisions; they are in the form of
recommendations to the city council which must ultimately make the final decision.
Page 4 of 4Page 7 of 348
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Presentation Overview (Steiner)
Date:
June 25, 2024
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
2024 Comp Plan Memorandum
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Steiner
Meeting Date:July 2, 2024 Item Number:
Page 8 of 348
Memorandum
To: Judi Roland, Chair, Planning Commission
Planning Commission Members
From: Josh Steiner, Senior Long-Range Planner, Comm. Dev. Dept.
Ryan Vondrak, Utilities Engineering Manager, Public Works
Date: July 2, 2024
Re: Special Meeting: 2024 Comprehensive Plan - Planning Commission
Each city and county in Washington state is required to conduct a periodic update of its
comprehensive plan and development regulations per RCW 36.70A.130 (The Growth
Management Act or GMA). In general, the purpose is to ensure consistency with the Puget
Sound Regional Council Vision 2050, the Countywide Planning Policies (for Auburn this means
both Pierce and King County), any changes in state laws over the intervening time, and to
respond to changing conditions within the local community.
Tonight, a public hearing on the Capital Facilities Element and a public meeting on the Water
System Plan Element will be conducted. This meeting is open to the public and has been
advertised appropriately as a regular meeting. The table below illustrates current, past, and
upcoming Planning Commission meetings for the Comprehensive Plan update, as well as
subject.
Subject Public
Meeting
Public
Hearing
Deliberation and
Action
Land Use N/A
Housing N/A
Historic Preservation N/A
Economic Development N/A
Climate N/A
Parks and Open Space N/A
Sewer Plan September 17
Transportation July 16 July 16
PROS Plan TBD TBD
Stormwater Plan N/A
Capital Facilities July 2 October 23
Water System Plan July 2 July 16 October 23
Utilities Element July 2 July 16 October 23
Page 9 of 348
Planning Commission Comp Plan
Action (Community
Development/Parks)
July 16
For reference, the current adopted Comprehensive Plan Elements can be found here.
Feel free to contact Josh Steiner, Senior Planner, at jsteiner@auburnwa.gov or 253-804-5064
with any questions.
Included Attachments:
Attachment A – Capital Facilities Element Planning Commission Presentation
Attachment B – V3 Draft Capital Facilities Element
Attachment C – Utilities Element Planning Commission Presentation
Attachment D – V2 Draft Utilities Element
Attachment E – Water System Plan Planning Commission Presentation
Attachment F – Draft Water System Plan
Note: V1 = Currently adopted Plan showing staff edits
V2 = Clean version of V1 with staff edits incorporated
V3 = Clean version of V2 with edits incorporated, showing edits in response to public
comments, Planning Commission comments, and/or agency comments. May include
maps or other figures that have been amended by staff since V2 in response to
comments.
If V1 is not available, please see currently adopted Element via link above.
Page 10 of 348
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Capital Facilities Element (Steiner)
Date:
June 25, 2024
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
Attachment A - Capital Facilities Element
Presentation
Attachment B - V3 Draft Capital Facilities
Element
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Steiner
Meeting Date:July 2, 2024 Item Number:PH.1
Page 11 of 348
AUBURN
VALUES
SERVICE
ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMY
CHARACTER
SUSTAINABILITY
WELLNESS
CELEBRATION
CITY DEPARTMENTS
2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
–CAPITAL FACILITIES
ELEMENT
JOSH STEINER, AICP, SENIOR PLANNER
PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 2, 2024
Department of Community Development
Planning Building Development Engineering Permit Center
Economic Development Community Services ● Code Enforcement
Page 12 of 348
(3) A capital facilities plan element consisting of:
(a)An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, including green infrastructure, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities;
(b)Forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities;
(c)Proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities;
(d)At least a six-year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes; and
(e)Requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are coordinated and consistent. Park and recreation facilities shall be included in the capital facilities plan element.
.
Core Changes to Capital Facilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
Regulatory Requirements (RCW 36.70A.070)
Page 13 of 348
Pull in policy and non-financial text from Capital Facilities Plan
Incorporate information from Utilities Element as appropriate
Include inventories for capital facilities
Reference goals, policies, and technical information from other Elements as appropriate to avoid duplication
Overall formatting and refinements for readability
Note: Solid Waste polices have moved from CFE to Utilities Element
Few comments from agencies
Capital Facilities Plan is included as part of CFE package (6-year CIP)
Multi-Department Effort
Core Changes to Capital Facilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
Element Update Framework
Page 14 of 348
Capital Facilities Inventory – list of facilities and attributes (condition,
age, size, etc.)
Level of Service – Adopted Level of Service standards that apply to
facilities for identification of future needs. May be a reference to
another document.
Known Capacity Issues – Deficiencies identified by Level of Service
analysis and/or capacity issues identified in other documents
(systems plans, etc.)
Future Plans – Summary of identified future projects or reference to
other documents where information is found (systems plans, etc.)
Not all information is provided for each facility type
Core Changes to Capital Facilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
Element Update Framework
Page 15 of 348
July 2nd – Public Hearing
Next Steps
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
October 23rd – Planning Commission Action (same night as
Utilities Element and Water Comprehensive Plan action)
Page 16 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn
Capital Facilities
Element
Page 17 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Vision ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Conditions and Trends ................................................................................................................................ 1
Planning Approach ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Values ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Concurrency and Levels of Service ...................................................................................................... 3
Levels of Service ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Concurrency ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Capital Facilities and Services ................................................................................................................ 5
Municipal Facilities ................................................................................................................................... 5
Parks and Recreation ............................................................................................................................ 10
Transportation ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Public Utilities ............................................................................................................................................13
Public Education Facilities ................................................................................................................. 22
Goals and Policies ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Page 18 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 1
Introduction
This volume provides overall policy direction for the different capital facility plans
and programs provided by the City. Capital facilities belonging to privately owned
utilities (electricity, natural gas lines, etc.) and those that are city-operated (water,
sewer, stormwater, etc.) are covered in the Utilities Element (Volume 4). Certain
City plans and programs are further refined in other sections of this volume, such
as Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and Transportation. Overall, however, this
volume acts as a reference for all of the City’s various capital facility plans except for
those found in other Elements, including the City of Auburn Six-Year Capital
Facilities Plan (a key component of and adopted with this plan), comprehensive
plans, capital improvement and investment programs, inventories, and studies that
together represent the planning and financing mechanisms required to serve the
capital facility needs of Auburn. For more details on a particular capital facility or
the City’s overall capital facility plan, see the most recently adopted version of the
following:
• City of Auburn Airport Master Plan
• City of Auburn Capital Facilities Plan
• City of Auburn Comprehensive Water Plan
• City of Auburn Comprehensive Sewer Plan
• City of Auburn Comprehensive Stormwater Plan
• City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• City of Auburn Comprehensive Transportation Plan
• Auburn School District Capital Facilities Plan
• Kent School District Capital Facilities Plan
• Dieringer School District Capital Facilities Plan
• Federal Way School District Capital Facilities Plan
• Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) Capital Facilities Plan
Vision
Capital facilities in Auburn are planned, designed, and constructed in a manner
that adequately supports the future growth scenarios in the City’s Land Use
Element and that meets the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
Sustainability is a principle that guides decisions about where facilities are placed,
how they are constructed, how they are operated and maintained, and how all
aspects of design, construction, and operation are funded.
Conditions and Trends
Page 19 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 2
Growth: The provision and sizing of public facilities such as streets or waterlines
and sewer lines can influence the rate or timing of development and is an
important means of managing growth. Timed provision of facilities also ensures
that new development can be assimilated into the existing community without
serious disruptions or adverse impacts. This Plan establishes policies to allow
development when and where all public facilities are adequate or can be made
adequate, but only if such development can be adequately served by public
facilities and services consistent with the adopted level-of-service standards.
A key provision of the Growth Management Act is concurrency. In general,
concurrency seeks to ensure that development is permitted only if adequate public
facilities are, or can be guaranteed to be, available to support new development.
Concurrency requires that facilities needed to maintain a locally adopted level of
service be provided “concurrently” with development. Concurrency places the
finance function of local government in a much more prominent role in the land
use development process. While the concept of concurrency is new to many
jurisdictions, it has been used in Auburn since the adoption of its 1986
Comprehensive Plan.
The Act requires concurrency only for transportation facilities, though if a
jurisdiction desires, concurrency can be applied to other public facilities as well.
With respect to transportation facilities, concurrent is defined within the Act as
being provided at the time of or within 6 years of development (this is done to
coincide with the six-year time frame of most capital facilities plans). If the facility is
not available at the time of development, the funding to construct the facility must
be included in the six-year capital facilities plan.
Regardless of whether a local jurisdiction applies concurrency to public facilities
beyond those for transportation, new development must be coordinated with the
provision of capital facilities. This ensures that all relevant public facilities and
services are planned and available to serve the demands of new growth.
Planning Approach
The Capital Facilities planning approach is to manage growth in a manner that
enhances from community quality and values by actively coordinating land use
type and intensity with City facility and service development and provision.
Values
Character: Public buildings and spaces incorporate high-quality building and
landscape design so that they positively impact the surrounding built environment.
Wellness: Public spaces that are purchased and developed for capital facilities also
incorporate features and infrastructure that provide more complete nonmotorized
connections.
Page 20 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 3
Service: City utilities and buildings are of high quality and complete, reliable, and
available to residents and business owners.
Economy: City utilities are available or planned to be available to serve allowed
commercial, recreational, and residential uses.
Celebration: Capital facility spaces will be available, designed, and programmed in
a manner that promotes public gathering.
Environment: Development of capital facilities will place a premium on
environmental preservation and protection.
Sustainability: Our philosophy of designing, constructing, and maintaining utilities
and buildings embraces a long-term investment horizon rather than concepts that
only provide short-term benefits and outcomes.
Concurrency and Levels of Service
Levels of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a common measure used to determine the efficiency or
effectiveness of services. For the City of Auburn, LOS targets serve as a means to
assess the adequacy of public facilities in meeting the needs of the population for
which it serves. The GMA requires that LOS be established for certain
transportation facilities for the purposes of applying concurrency to development
proposals. The State GMA guidelines recommend the adoption of LOS standards for
other capital facilities to measure the provision of adequate public facilities.
Typically, measures of level of service are expressed as ratios of facility capacity to
demand (i.e., actual or potential users). For example, in the case of park space,
when there is an increase in population without a corresponding increase in park
acreage, the LOS unit of measure (acres per 1,000 population) will decline,
indicating a potential need to increase the total amount of park acreage to keep
pace with population growth. On the other hand, a slight increase in population,
coupled with a large increase in facilities, will result in an increased LOS. For
example, facilities such as buildings or burial plots may be constructed or
expanded to keep pace with anticipated population growth. While this will have
the effect of increasing LOS in the short-term, in the longer-term, the LOS will
gradually decline to the targeted level based on forecasted population. The impact
of population growth to the LOS for facilities will vary depending on the type of
facility and long-range planning by the City.
Concurrency
The GMA requires that jurisdictions have certain capital facilities in place or
available within a specified time frame when development occurs. This concept is
called concurrency. Under the GMA, concurrency is required for transportation
Page 21 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 4
facilities and is recommended by the State for certain other public facilities, namely
potable water and sanitary sewer.
Concurrency has a direct relationship to level of service. The importance of
concurrency to capital facilities planning is that development may be denied if it
reduces the level of service for a capital facility below the locally adopted minimum.
The level of service is unique for each type of facility and is presented in the
subsequent sections. Concurrency has a direct relationship to level of service. The
importance of concurrency to capital facilities planning is that development may
be denied if it reduces the level of service for a capital facility below the locally
adopted minimum. The level of service is unique for each type of facility and is
presented in the subsequent sections.
The need for capital facilities is largely determined by a community’s adopted LOS
standards and whether or not the community has formally designated capital
facilities, other than transportation, as necessary for development to meet the
concurrency test. The CFP itself is therefore largely influenced by the selection of
the level of service standards. Level of service standards are measures of the quality
of life in the City. The standards should be based on the City’s vision of its future
and its values.
Level of Service Standards and Needs
The LOS for the following facilities will be increased as a result of population
projections described in the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), comparing the 2023 LOS
to the projected 2028 LOS. For more information on the LOS thresholds and data
sources please see the relevant related plan (Parks, Transportation, Airport, etc.).
Capital Facility LOS Units 2023 LOS 2028 LOS
(Projected)
Cemetery Burial Plots per 1,000 population 29.00 56.00
Community Parks Acres per 1,000 population 2.62 2.95
Linear Parks Acres per 1,000 population 0.18 0.21
Neighborhood Parks Acres per 1,000 population 0.72 0.78
The LOS for the following facilities will be maintained as a result of the CFP.
Capital Facility LOS Units 2023 LOS 2028 LOS
(Projected)
Transportation See Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Airport % of Air Operations Support 100% 100%
Storm Drainage N/A N/A N/A
Water Residential GPCPD1 182.00 181.00
1 – GPCPD = Gallons per Customer per Day, or the equivalent of water used by a single-family
residential unit per day.
Page 22 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 5
The LOS for the following facilities will be decreased as a result of the CFP,
comparing the 2023 LOS to the projected 2028 LOS.
Capital Facility LOS Units 2023 LOS 2028 LOS
(Projected)
General Municipal Buildings Square Feet per 1,000 population 3,290.44 3,173.11
Open Space Acres per 1,000 population 4.25 4.10
Senior Center Square Feet per 1,000 population 135.70 129.12
Special Use Areas Acres per 1,000 population 2.83 2.69
Other Level of Service metrics and thresholds related to specific capital facilities are
located in the sections below.
Capital Facilities and Services
Municipal Facilities
The current inventory of City government administration and operations facilities
include 207,629 square feet for general government operations, 66,469 square feet
for police services, and 21,726 square feet for fire protection, for a total of 295,824
square feet. The table below lists the facilities along with their current capacity and
location.
Community Facilities
Facilities Inventory
Facility Name Location Size
Community Center 910 9th St SE 19,804 sq ft
Senior Center 808 9th St SE 11,667 sq ft
Cemetery 2020 Mountain View Dr 4,011 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Golf Course 29630 Green River Rd 14,114 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Postmark Center for the Arts 20 Auburn Ave 8,744 sq ft
GSA 2905 C St SW 11,837 sq ft
4910 A Street 4910 A Street 5,920 sq ft
City Hall 25 W Main St 57, 316 sq ft
City Hall Annex 1 E Main St 47,000 sq ft
Justice Center 340 E Main St 36,000 sq ft
Maintenance & Operations 1305 C St SW 18,232 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Parks Maintenance 1403 C St SW 6,094 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Page 23 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 6
Les Gove MPP Building 1040 Deal’s Way 1,262 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
R Street Building 2840 Riverwalk Drive SE 4,798 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Warren Building 411 E Street NE 1,813 sq ft (out buildings
not included)
Herr Storage 1140 Auburn Way S 3,600 sq ft
Auburn Ave Theatre (scheduled for
demolition) 10 Auburn Ave 7,590 sq ft
Auburn valley Humane Society 4910 A Street SE 5,920 sq ft
Level of Service
The current LOS of 3,290 square feet per 1,000 population is based on the existing
inventory divided by the 2023 citywide population of 89,904. The proposed LOS of
3,173 square feet per 1,000 population is based on the projected inventory divided
by the 2028-projected citywide population of 94,489.
Future Plans
As of 2024, the City is in the process of designing and constructing a replacement
for the Auburn Ave Theatre, which was damaged when the adjacent historic
mixed-use building on E Main Stret was damaged beyond repair due to fire. The
new theatre is anticipated to be an activity anchor in downtown with its central
location.
Public Library Facilities
The City of Auburn is served by the King County Library System in 15,000 square
foot Auburn Library building at 1102 Auburn Way S. The library opened in 2000 after
moving first from the Carnegie Library building in downtown (constructed in 1914),
then from another facility in Les Gove Park (constructed in 1964). The current
building has continued to be renovated and expanded over the past 25 years, with
the last construction completed in 2012. Detailed information regarding the King
County Library System is available at www.kcls.org.
Police
Facility Inventory
Name Location Size
Auburn Justice Center (Police) 340 E Main St 16,000 sq ft
Evidence Building 340 E Main St 4,400 sq ft
The Auburn Police Department has a staff of the Chief, Assistant Chief, 5
Commanders, 13 Sergeants, 57 Patrol Officers, 20 Detectives, 5 Traffic Officers, and
multiple supervisors, specialists, technicians, and other staff as of 2023.
Page 24 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 7
Police services are centered around the Auburn Justice Center that serves the
entire City and supports the required staff, the majority of who are assigned to the
patrol division. In 2004, the police department took occupancy of a portion of the
Justice Center, primarily in the basement, with the Court located on the primary
level. The police portion occupies just over 16,000 square feet. Currently the police
facility houses 118 sworn police officers in addition to 22 civilian staff. Police
headquarters provides both designated and temporary workspace, meeting rooms,
common areas, locker rooms, storage space, utility space, electrical and utility
space, and records storage space. A separate evidence building at the same site
houses evidence storage, general equipment storage, and records archives.
Additionally, the department maintains temporary evidence storage in the
basement of city hall, utilizing approximately 200 square feet of space.
A facility needs assessment was completed in 2020 and was incorporated in the
2020 Facilities Master Plan.
Known Capacity Issues
Police facilities lack adequate space to support current staff and operations, and
future growth.
• Suboptimal climate control, especially on ground floor as HVAC zone
configuration does not align with current space configuration due to
renovations.
• Facility too small to accommodate both Court and Police in long-term.
• Severely space-constrained, especially for Police, which grew 40% between
2004 and 2019.
• Undersized public lobby and soft interview space.
• Limited meeting/briefing space for all meeting types, including large groups,
confidential discussions, and interviews.
Police office space is primarily in basement areas that have limited natural light.
• Defensive tactics and classroom training occur in a room with irregular
column placement which impedes sightlines, creates barriers for physical
training, and complicates furniture/mat reconfiguration.
• Evidence building is at capacity.
• Undersized parking; unsecured parking for marked vehicles.
Future Plans
A property located near the intersection of Auburn Way Sout & 12th Street
Southeast has been acquired by the City. 2023-2024 budget allocated funding for
facility planning at new location. Other than planning, there is no funding allocated
for this project.
Fire Protection
Page 25 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 8
The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) provides critical fire and life safety
services to the approximately 97,000 citizens residing in the 37 square miles of
Algona, Auburn, and Pacific. Oversight of the VRFA is provided by a nine-member
Governance Board consisting of the Mayor and two council members from each
participating city. Twenty personnel respond from five fire stations. These stations
are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by four shifts. A battalion chief
oversees each shift, and a deputy chief manages the entire division.
The Auburn Fire Department was formed over a century ago as a result of a
devastating fire in August of 1890. The fire destroyed an entire city block of
businesses in what was then known as the town of Slaughter. The original
department, consisting of volunteer firefighters and a hand-drawn hose cart, was
first named the Auburn Bucket Brigade. The name changed to the Auburn
Volunteer Fire Department in 1908. On January 1, 2007, as a result of a voter-
approved measure, the Auburn Fire Department combined with the Pacific Fire
Department and the City of Algona to form the Valley Regional Fire Authority,
which provides fire and EMS services to all three cities.
In an emergency, every second counts. The VRFA has established a Total Response
Time (TRT) benchmark of seven minutes and 34 seconds (7:34) for EMS Calls and
seven minutes and 49 seconds (7:49) for fire calls. TRT is the time it takes a unit to
arrive at a scene once the call is received at the Fire Alarm Center. In 2022, we
achieved those benchmarks 51% of the time for fire response and 57% for EMS
response.
The VRFA’s Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), which was adopted by the Board of
Governance in 2021, made four recommendations:
• Priority 1: build an additional station in the northern part of VRFA’s service
area
• Priority 2: relocate and rebuild Station 38 in Pacific
• Priority 3: remodel or replace Station 31
• Priority 4: find a permanent location for Support Services
In 2022, the VRFA took several significant steps to implement the CFP, including:
• Purchasing property on 30th and I Street Northeast for a new north end fire
station. Evaluating property on the Ellingson corridor in Pacific in order to
relocate Station 38.
• Contracting with the leading architectural firm TCA to consult on land
acquisition and complete preliminary design concepts on each element of
the CFP.
• Initiating a discussion on the best way to fund these critical projects.
In 2022, 45% of revenue was from Property Taxes, 34% from Fire Benefit Charges,
and 21% from other sources such as grants and permit fees. Expenditures in 2022
Page 26 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 9
include 52% for wages, 15% for capital projects, 19% for benefits and 14% for other
services and supplies.
Valley Regional Fire Authority Capital Facility Plans, Annual Reports, and other
documents can be found at www.vrfa.org.
Level of Service
The current LOS of 0.20 fire apparatus per 1,000 population is based on the existing
inventory (18 fire apparatus) divided by the 2023 citywide population estimate of
89,904. The proposed LOS of 0.20 fire apparatus per 1,000 is based on the 2028-
planned inventory (19 fire apparatus) divided by the 2028-projected citywide
population of 94,489.
Parking
Facilities Inventory
Facility Name Location Capacity Condition
Kiss-n-Ride Parking Lot Parcel #7815700172 21 Non-Handicap spaces; 1 accessible
space Fair
11 A Street NW Parking Lot 11 A Street NW 47 Non-Handicap spaces; 2 accessible
spaces Poor
B Street Parking Lot 137 E Main Street 60 Non-Handicap spaces; 13 accessible
spaces Fair
Safeway Parking Lot Parcel #7331400135 122 Non-Handicap spaces; 4 accessible
spaces Poor
D Street Parking Lot 350 E Main St 20 Non-Handicap spaces; 0 accessible
spaces Very Poor
JC Employee Parking Lot 20 D Street SE 55 Non-Handicap spaces; 1 accessible
spaces Fair
Future Plans
On April 1, 2024, the City of Auburn relinquished possession and use of 113 off-site
parking stalls to Sound Transit. The 113 parking stalls were code required parking
stalls tied to two office-condominiums owned by the City and utilized as office
space by City employees. The City will need to replace these 113 parking stalls
within the code required 1,000/ft radius of the office condominiums with which
they serve. Funding for the parking replacement will come in whole or in part from
the monetary amount awarded to the City by the arbitrator who presided over the
arbitration hearing.
Replacement of the 113 parking stalls relinquished to Sound Transit will likely need
to be accomplished by constructing a multi-story parking garage.
Cemeteries
Page 27 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 10
The City owns two cemeteries. The Mountain View Cemetery is a fully developed
facility (60 acres and five buildings) that provides burial services and related
merchandise for the community. The Pioneer Cemetery is a historic cemetery that
is no longer used for burial purposes.
Level of Service
The current LOS of 29 burial plots/niches and cremation in ground plots per 1,000
population is based on the existing inventory divided by the estimated 2023
citywide population. The proposed LOS of 56 burial and plots/niches and
cremation in ground plots per 1,000 population is based on the projected inventory
divided by the 2028-projected citywide population.
Parks and Recreation
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan is needed to meet legal
requirements and secure funding for the City’s parks and recreation areas for the
next six to ten years. Developed with public involvement, city staff, and several city
commissions, this plan provides a summary of the city’s parks, recreation programs,
and open spaces, and gathers information on the community’s recreational needs
through surveys, outreach, and online tools. This Plan establishes a vision, goals,
and assesses the current level of service provided by city parks and open spaces.
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and its formal approval adoption completes
the PROS Plan suggesting a series of recommended improvements to better serve
the citizens of Auburn for the next six years and beyond, each tied to potential
grant funding sources, serving to guide the City’s response and priorities to the
desired quality of life envisioned from its citizens.
Facilities Inventory
Currently, the City manages a diverse range of parks and recreation assets,
including 23 neighborhood, or local, parks, 14 community parks, 7 parcels of
dedicated open space including a golf course, trail systems, and 16 special use
facilities. More information parks and recreation assets can be found in Appendix F
– PROS Plan of the Comprehensive Plan.
Level of Service (LOS)
A 10-minute walk is considered an important park access metric for several reasons.
A 10-minute walk (approximately 1/2 mile on level ground) as a park access metric is
important because it promotes physical activity, equity, sustainability, social
interaction, and overall community well-being. It aligns with various health,
environmental, and social goals the City has and should encourage staff and
policymakers to prioritize accessible green spaces as a fundamental part of
Auburn’s development and the community’s desired quality of life.
Page 28 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 11
Future Plans
A Needs Analysis and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project list can be found
in Appendix F – PROS Plan of the Comprehensive Plan.
Transportation
Roadways: The City’s street system consists of a network of approximately 249
miles of arterials, collectors, local streets and alleys. Existing nonmotorized facilities
include a mix of trails, sidewalks, and both dedicated and shared bicycle facilities.
Signals and ITS: The City’s transportation system also includes 95 traffic signals, a
Traffic Control Center employing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which
centrally directs the signals, 89 traffic cameras, and various traffic beacons all
communicating on a network of copper wire and fiber optic cable. The City also has
three roundabouts.
Transit: King County Metro Transit, Sound Transit and Pierce Transit serve the
Auburn area. Auburn is currently served by six Metro, two Sound Transit, and one
Pierce Transit bus route. In addition, Sound Transit “Sounder” commuter trains
provide peak hour and midday service at the Auburn Station. The Sounder also
provides special event service to selected sporting events. Park and Ride facilities
and the Auburn Station support bus and rail service.
Facilities Inventory
Quantity Description
249 Miles of Streets
17 Bridges
11,000 Street Signs
13,389 Feet of Guardrail
96 Traffic Signals
31 Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons
3.684 Street Lights - City Owned
2,261 Street Lights - PSE Owned
53 School Zone Flashing Beacons
19 Speed Radar Feedback Signs
89 Traffic Cameras
12 Speed Photo Enforcement Locations
(School Zones)
4 Dynamic Message Signs
43.86 Miles of Fiber Optic Systems
2 Community Banner Locations
22.62 Miles of Class I Bikeways
1.29 Miles of Class II Bikeway with Buffer
(Both Sides of Roadway)
Page 29 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 12
15.95 Miles of Class II Bikeway (Both Sides of
Roadway)
4.21 Miles of Class II Bikeway (Intermittent or 1
Side of Roadway)
2.60 Miles of Class III Bikeway with Pavement
Markings
298.21 Miles of City Sidewalk
Level of Service
The City’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) establishes multimodal level of
service standards for City streets, active transportation facilities, and access to
transit service, and freight movement to provide guidance to evaluate the
multimodal facilities, identify deficiencies, and prioritize projects to eventually
reach a complete multimodal network that can support and promote mode shift,
reducing the vehicle capacity demand on the roadways. The following policies
relate to vehicle level of service which the City primarily utilizes to evaluate
transportation system capacity. Other level of service standards are utilized for
concurrency and planning but generally focus on the existing or absence of
facilities and services and the quality of those facilities and services rather than
their capacity.
• Policy TR6-1-1: The City adopts the following Vehicle Level of Service (LOS)
Standards for the AM and PM peak periods per the Highway Capacity
Manual:
o Signalized: The LOS standard for signalized intersections is “D”, with
the following exceptions: for signalized intersections of two principal
arterial roads the LOS standard is “E”.
o Stop Controlled: The LOS standard stop controlled intersections is “D”.
o Roundabout: The LOS standard for roundabout controlled
intersections is “D” with a V/C ratio for each lane group of less than
0.90.
o Queuing: The LOS standard for intersection queuing is the 95th
percentile queue shall not extend across an adjacent driveway, alley,
or street intersection, except if the driveway, alley, or street
intersection is within the functional intersection boundary of the
queue in which case the queue may extend to the limit of the
functional intersection boundary. Additionally, queuing for a
designated turn lane shall not exceed turn lane storage area and
cause a blockage of through lane(s).
Known Capacity Issues
The City utilizes the vehicle intersection delay level of service standard to evaluate
general transportation system capacity for concurrency. Of the 157 intersections
evaluated with the CTP, the following 11 (or 8%) were operating below the City’s
adopted level of service standard under existing conditions:
Page 30 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 13
• Auburn Way North & 45th Street NE
• 116th Avenue SE & SE 304th Street
• 46th Place S/44th Avenue S & S 321st Street/51st Avenue S
• 51st Avenue S & 316th Avenue
• Henry Road NE/Pike Street NE & 8th Street NE
• C Street SW & 3rd Street NW
• M Street SE & Auburn Way South
• Auburn Way South & 17th Street SE
• A Street SE & 44th Street SE
• Lakeland Hills Way SE & Oravetz Road SE
• R Street SE & 33rd Street SE
Initial modeling of future conditions (2044) added another 10 intersections to the
list of intersections that would be operating below the City’s adopted level of
service standard:
• Auburn Way N & 42nd Street NE
• I Street NE & 37th Street NE
• 30th Street NE & I Street NE
• 112th Avenue SE & SE 304th Street
• SE 304th Street & 118th Avenue SE
• 56th Avenue S & S 316th Avenue
• 15th Street NE & M Street NW
• A Street SE & 12th Street SE
• A Street SE & 21st Street SE
• A Street SE & Ellingson Road/41st Street SE
Transportation Project List
The Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) includes projects and programs to
address the vehicle level of service issues at intersections identified in the existing
and future conditions. Those projects include new traffic signals, new roundabouts,
modified lane configurations, new roadways, and other measures intended to
reduce intersection vehicle delays. The CTP also includes projects, programs, and
other actions intended to address to address level of service issues related to active
transportation (bicycle and pedestrian), transit, and freight movement. Please refer
to the CTP for lists and summaries of the projects, programs, and actions.
Public Utilities
The City of Auburn manages sanitary sewer, water, and storm drainage utilities as
well as solid waste collection. The sanitary sewer and water utilities serve the City
and several areas outside the City limits. The efficient provision of these services
can play a significant role in managing the growth of the City as well as affecting
the quality of life for residents of Auburn and the surrounding areas. Public utilities
can serve the following goals:
Page 31 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 14
• To protect the public health and safety by providing efficient and cost-
effective water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and solid waste services to
the community.
• Ensure that development will only occur if the urban services necessary to
support such development will be available when it is developed.
Water
The City provided water service to over 15,000 service connections as of 2024. The
City’s water sources include the Coal Creek Springs and West Hill Springs
watersheds and are supplemented by a system of ten wells (6 active) and two
connections to the regional water system operated by Tacoma Public Utilities.
Storage facilities are found on the Enumclaw plateau, at Lakeland Hills, and at Lea
Hill. For more background information, see the Comprehensive Water Plan.
Facilities Inventory
• Approximately 306 miles of Water Main
• Over 15,000 Service Connections
• 8 Pump Stations
• 8 Reservoirs
• 1 Satellite Water System
• 6 Active Wells
• 2 Springs
Levels of Service Standards
The System Policies included in Appendix A of the Comprehensive Water Plan and
provide direction for City Staff in the management of the utility. The City of Auburn
(City) manages the water utility in accordance with established water system
policies that govern various facets of utility operations. City policies are established
by the City to provide a vision or mission of the water utility and to provide a
framework for the design, operation, and ongoing wellbeing of the City’s water
utility.
The policies included in Appendix A of the Comprehensive Water Plan are
developed specifically for the City’s multi-source municipal water system and seek
to provide consistent treatment to all utility customers and to provide
documentation to current water-system customers as well as those considering
service from the City.
The City’s Comprehensive Water Plan is based upon the following mission
statement for the water utility:
“The City will provide for the efficient, environmentally sound and safe
management of the existing and future water system within Auburn’s service
area.”
Page 32 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 15
The City’s Water utility policies are grouped within goal statements that are
headlined under the following categories:
• Business Practices
• Service Area
• Operations and Maintenance
• Financial
• Planning
• Environmental Stewardship
• Design and Construction
A few examples of policies related to level of service standards provided by the
water system include:
• Policy 5.3 - System-Wide Reliability
The City shall invest the resources necessary to construct, maintain, and
renew water-system infrastructure and equipment to ensure that customers
are provided consistent, reliable service in accordance with WAC 246-290-
420 Reliability and Emergency Response. Wherever possible, the City should
anticipate system interruptions and design and operate the system to
minimize the impact of such interruptions to customers.
• Policy 5.8 - Water Supply Planning
The City's objective is to ensure a continuous, safe water supply to meet firm
customer demands. Provision of water service must be consistent with the
goals, objectives, and policies of the City of Auburn Comprehensive Water
Plan. Effects of past water conservation will be considered when projecting
future water needs. Future water demands will be estimated using existing
water usage patterns and projected future populations developed by the
City’s comprehensive Plan and consistent with the Puget Sound Regional
Council data.
• Policy 5.10 - Service Pressure
The City should provide potable water to customers in sufficient quantity to
meet maximum day demands at a pressure that meets or exceeds all
minimum applicable regulations, except during emergency conditions.
Property owners may install private booster pumps to achieve higher
pressures under supervision of the City and in accordance with WAC 246-
290-230 Distribution Systems.
Known Capacity Issues (based on Level of Service or other
standards)
The preparation of the Comprehensive Water Plan included hydraulic modeling for
existing and future conditions. Issues derived from the modeling with respect to
Page 33 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 16
pipeline improvements needed to meet fire flow conditions were ranked, with
those locations ranked higher given more priority to be completed. The projects
are anticipated to be completed under the Repair and Replacement program
identified in Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Water Plan. In addition, other known
capacity issues with respect to water facilities and sources, include:
• Lea Hill Intertie Booster Pump Station - the Intertie Booster Pump Station
(serves the Lea Hill 648 pressure zone) has a pumping capacity deficit, and
the Pump Station lacks emergency power, impacting water supply during
power outages.
• Lea Hill Service Area Storage - There is a reservoir/storage capacity shortage
of 0.54 MG for the Lea Hill service area.
• Valley Service Area Storage - There is a reservoir/storage capacity shortage of
1.28 MG in the Valley service area.
• Wells 3A/3B - are offline due to high manganese levels.
• Wells 7 - is offline due to high manganese levels.
• Coal Creek Springs - is underutilizing its water right, leading to inefficiency.
• Well 5 - needs upgrades and property acquisition for expansion.
• Well 4 - requires facility and electrical improvements for efficient operation.
• Well 1 and Well 4 - Liquid chlorine degradation at the facilities affect water
treatment during low winter demand periods.
• West Hill Springs - Aging chlorination building.
• Lea Hill Pump Station – pump station lacks redundancy.
• Game Farm Wilderness Park - pumps need replacement and building
repairs.
• Reservoir 2 - Limited maintenance access to Reservoir 2 valves and lack of
earthquake resiliency.
• Coal Creek Springs Transmission Main- 100+ year old pipe that needs to be
replaced and is susceptible to leaks.
• West Hill Springs - Poor condition of existing cast iron transmission main.
• Howard Road Corrosion Control Treatment Facility (CCTF) - will exceed
capacity after Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation project completion.
• Howard Road Corrosion Control Treatment Facility (CCTF) - Existing liquid
chlorine generating equipment reaching the end of its useful life at Fulmer
CCTF.
Stormwater
The System consists of a combination of open ditches, closed conveyance pipes,
water quality facilities, and pump stations. For more details, see the Comprehensive
Storm Drainage Plan.
Facilities Inventory
• Over 240 miles of storm drainage pipe
Page 34 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 17
• Over 40 miles of open channels and ditches
• Over 13,900 junction structures (catch basins, manholes)
• 167 detention ponds
• 7 pump stations.
Levels of Service Standards
The System Policies included in Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Storm Drainage
Plan provide direction for City Staff in the management of the utility. The following
policies are specifically related to designed capacity level of service provided by the
sewer conveyance system:
• Policy 1.1 -The City shall seek to manage stormwater runoff within the public
Right of Way (ROW):
o to provide access to and functionality of critical services.
o to preserve mobility on major transportation routes (i.e., arterial roads)
and residential roads.
o to protect real property structures (e.g., residences and businesses.)
• Policy 1.2 - The City shall seek to provide pump redundancy and backup
power generators or dual power feeds at City- owned and -operated
drainage pump stations.
• Policy 1.3 - The City shall routinely assess the performance of pumped
systems with a focus on capacity and vulnerability. This review aims to
ensure that these systems operate efficiently, meet their intended capacity,
and remain resilient against potential risks.
Known Capacity Issues
The preparation of the Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan included hydraulic
modeling focused on updating models within locations of proposed capital
projects. In addition, existing drainage problems have been observed by the staff
and are known to cause flooding of roadways at the following locations:
• Auburn Way South/ SR 18 Underpass - minor roadway flooding causes
disruptions to traffic during periods of certain intense rainfall events.
• I St NE between 33rd St NE and 35th St NE – minor flooding has been
observed when the Green River flows are high, and the gravity discharge is
impacted.
• There are areas within the city not served by the public storm system, such
as paved alleys or residential streets where minor flooding is observed.
Future Plans
The 6-year capital improvements are discussed in detail in Chapter 7 and the
implementation schedule presented in Chapter 8 of the Comprehensive Storm
Drainage Plan.
Sewer
Page 35 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 18
The system is primarily a collection system with treatment provided by Metro. The
system includes approximately 205 miles of sewers and force mains and 17 sewer
pump stations. Significant portions of the City’s service area are currently on septic
systems, although plans for future expansion of sewer service into these areas is
included in the Comprehensive Sewer Plan. For more details, see the
Comprehensive Sewer Plan.
Facilities Inventory
Sewer facilities in the City currently consist of:
• 205 miles of gravity sanitary sewer main
• 17 sewer pump stations
• 5 miles of force main associated with pump stations
• 3 siphons (1 single pipe, and one double pipe under the Green River
• 2,700 sewer service connections
Level of Service Standards
The System Policies included in Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan
provide direction for City Staff in the management of the utility. The following
policies are specifically related to designed capacity level of service provided by the
sewer conveyance system:
Policy 3.3 - Require the transport of sewage by gravity whenever feasible in order to
increase reliability, sustainability, and long-term cost effectiveness.
Policy 4.5 - Size the sewer collection system for peak wet weather flow rates that
include I/I flows. Gravity sewers will be sized to convey the once-per-20-year peak
hour flow without surcharging.
Policy 4.6 - Size pump stations and force mains for peak wet weather flow rates
that include I/I flows. Pump stations will be sized to convey the once per 5-year flow
with one pump out of service and convey the once per 20-year flow with all pumps
in service.
Known Capacity Issues
The preparation of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan included hydraulic modeling for
three scenarios. The first used existing system wastewater flows and applied the
expected additional flow during a design storm (with a 20-year recurrence). The
second was to escalate wastewater base flows based on population and
employment projections for the year 2044, and the last was to increase the
intensity and duration of the design storm based on anticipated rainfall changes
associated with climate change.
• The existing system is shown to have few deficient pipes, none of which
cause overflows.
• For future scenarios (2044-both including and not including climate change
effects) show the following deficiencies:
Page 36 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 19
o The Rainier Ridge Pump Station’s capacity is anticipated to be under
capacity; however, a project is currently underway to replace that
station in 2025.
o The Dogwood Pump Station is anticipated to be under capacity in
2044.
o Approximately 4,000 feet of gravity sewer in Roegner Park is expected
to be under capacity in 2044.
o Individual pipe segments upstream of each of the Green River
crossings are expected to be under capacity at various times
throughout the 20-year planning period. The precise timing is
dependent on the rate and distribution of population and
employment growth.
Future Plans
Conceptual plans for future sewer extensions and facilities are shown on Figure 5.5
of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan. Those extensions are to be funded by the
property owners of the parcels served by them, so the timing of their construction
is unknown. The Capital Improvement Plan is described in detail in Chapter 7 of the
Comprehensive Sewer Plan. The Plan includes projects related to system capacity,
repair and replacement, and system evaluation.
Solid Waste
The City of Auburn contracts with Waste Management (WM) for collection of
municipal garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Waste Management disposes of
Auburn’s garbage at a King County Solid Waste transfer station. Recycling is
processed at WM’s material recycling facility in Tacoma, WA. WM takes the yard
and food waste to either DTG in Tacoma, WA or Cedar Grove in Maple Valley, WA to
be converted into compost. There is a small area of Auburn that was recently
annexed. This area is serviced by Republic Services. Republic Services takes the
garbage to a King County Solid Waste transfer station, the recycling is processed at
their material recycling center in Seattle, WA, and yard and food waste is taken to
Cedar Grove in Maple Valley, WA.
Telecommunications
The City of Auburn owns and maintains a robust fiber optic Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN) that connects most City owned building facilities and traffic signals
throughout the Auburn area. This infrastructure delivers secure, high-speed
broadband capabilities essential for supporting various government functions,
including public safety, public works, planning, permitting, and tourism.
Additionally, our fiber optic network enhances city operations by facilitating
interconnections with regional partners and service providers such as City of
Page 37 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 20
Algona, City of Pacific, King County, The Community Connectivity Consortium,
University of Washington, Valley Communications and Microsoft.
Page 38 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 21
Page 39 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 22
Public Education Facilities
Auburn’s residential areas are served by a combination of Auburn School District,
Dieringer School District, Federal Way Public Schools, and Kent School District.
Detailed inventories of school district capital facilities and levels-of-service are
contained in the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) of each school district. The CFPs of the
four school districts serving Auburn residential areas and the associated school
impact fees are adopted annually as part of the Annual Comprehensive Plan
amendment process. Locations of schools and school districts within the City of
Auburn which are illustrated in the map below.
Future Plans
To accommodate projected growth, the school districts have noted the following
projects in their 2023 Capital Facilities Plans:
Auburn School District
• Portable Relocation – Opens 2023-2024
• Middle School #5 – Opens 2027-2028
Dieringer School District
• Elementary School #3 – Opens 2027
• North Tapps Middle School Classroom Addition – Opens 2027
Federal Way Public Schools
• Illahee Middle School Modernization and Expansion – Opens 2024
• Former DeVry/ES 24 Site Acquisition – Opens 2028
• Portables Expansion – Through 2030
Page 40 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 23
Page 41 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 24
Goals and Policies
Goal # 1 - Keeping Pace with Growth
Ensure that new development does not outpace the City’s ability to provide and
maintain adequate public facilities and services, by allowing new development to
occur only when and where adequate facilities exist or will be provided, and by
encouraging development types and locations that can support the public services
they require.
Policies:
CF-1. Lands designated for urban growth by this Plan shall have public facilities
(streets, sewer, water, storm drainage, and parks) that meet City standards prior to
or concurrent with development.
CF-2. Encourage development where new public facilities can be provided in an
efficient manner.
CF-3. If adequate facilities are currently unavailable and public funds are not
committed to provide such facilities, developers must provide such facilities at their
own expense to develop their proposed projects.
CF-4. The City shall encourage and approve development only where adequate
public services including police protection, fire and emergency medical services,
education, parks and other recreational facilities, solid waste collection, drinking
water, storm drainage, roadway and nonmotorized and other governmental
services are available or will be made available at acceptable levels of service prior
to project occupancy or use.
CF-5. Provide additional public facility capacity when existing facilities are used to
their maximum level of efficiency (consistent with adopted standards for level of
service).
CF-6. Encourage development where new public facilities can be provided in an
efficient manner.
CF-7. Public facilities shall be provided in accord with the guidance of the Capital
Facilities Plan or, as may be appropriate a system plan for each type of facility
designed to serve at an adequate level of service the locations and intensities of
uses specified in this Comprehensive Plan.
CF-8. New development shall not be approved that is not supported by a
minimum of facilities to support the development and that does not provide for its
proportionate share of related system needs.
CF-9. The city will perform its activities and make capital budget decisions in
conformity with the comprehensive plan. The Land Use Element of the
Page 42 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE- 25
comprehensive plan shall be reassessed if probable funding falls short of meeting
existing needs.
CF-10. Establish land use patterns that optimize the use of public facilities.
CF-11. Exempt the following from the concurrency management program:
• Development vested by RCW 19.27.095, 58.17.033 or 58.17.170.
• Development that creates no added impact on public facilities.
• Expansions of existing development that were disclosed and tested for
concurrency as part of the original application.
Goal # 2 – Public Facilities and Funding
Provide needed public facilities that are within the ability of the City to fund or
within the City’s authority to require others to provide.
Policies:
CF-12. Establish level of service standards that are achievable with the financing
plan of this Capital Facilities Plan.
CF-13. Base the financing plan for public facilities on realistic estimates of current
local revenues and external revenues that are reasonably anticipated to be received
by the City.
CF-14. Match revenue sources to capital projects based on sound fiscal policies.
• The City shall continue to fund utility costs through utility enterprise funds,
based on user fees and grants. Public facilities included in utilities are sewer,
solid waste, storm drainage, and water.
• Where feasible pursue joint venture facility construction, construction
timing, and other facility coordination measures for City provided facilities, as
well as with school districts and other potential partners in developing public
facilities.
• The City shall continue to assist through direct participation, LIDs and
payback agreements, where appropriate and financially feasible. Where
funding is available, the City may participate in developer-initiated facility
extensions or improvements, but only to the extent that the improvements
benefit the broader public interest and are consistent with the policies of this
Capital Facilities Plan.
CF-15. If the projected funding is inadequate to finance needed public facilities and
utilities based on adopted level of service standards and forecasted growth, the
City will do one or more of the following to achieve a balance between available
revenue and needed public facilities:
• Lower the level of service standards;
• Increase the amount of revenue from existing sources;
• Adopt new sources of revenue;
Page 43 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 26
• Require developers to provide such facilities at their own expense; and/or
• Amend the Land Use Element to reduce the need for additional public
facilities.
CF-16. Both existing and future development will pay for the costs of needed capital
improvements.
• Ensure that existing development pays for capital improvements that reduce
or eliminate existing deficiencies and pays for some or all of the cost to
replace obsolete or worn-out facilities. Existing development may also pay a
portion of the cost of capital improvements needed by future development.
Existing development’s payments may take the form of user fees, charges for
services, special assessments, and taxes.
• Ensure that future development pays a proportionate share of the cost of
new facilities that it requires. Future development may also pay a portion of
the cost to replace obsolete or worn-out facilities. Future development’s
payments may take the form of voluntary contributions for the benefit of any
public facility, impact fees, mitigation payments, capacity fees, dedications of
land, provision of public facilities, and future payments of user’s fees, charges
for services, special assessments, and taxes.
CF-17. The City will determine the priority of public facility capital improvements
using the following criteria as general guidelines. Any revenue source that cannot
be used for the highest priority will be used beginning with the highest priority for
which the revenue can legally be expended.
• Projects that eliminate hazardous conditions.
• Refurbishment of existing facilities that contribute to achieving or
maintaining standards for adopted level of service.
• New or expanded facilities that reduce or eliminate deficiencies in level of
service for existing demand.
• New or expanded facilities that provide the adopted level of service for new
development and redevelopment during the next six fiscal years.
• Capital improvements that significantly reduce the operating cost of
providing a service or facility, or otherwise mitigate impacts of public
facilities on future operating budgets.
• Capital improvements that contribute to stabilizing and developing the
economy of the City.
• Project priorities may also involve additional criteria that are unique to each
type of public facility, as described in other elements of this Comprehensive
Plan.
CF-18. Ensure that the ongoing operating and maintenance costs of a capital
facility are financially feasible prior to constructing the facility.
Page 44 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 27
Goal # 3 – Public and Environmental Health
Protect public health, environmental quality, and neighborhood stability and
viability through the appropriate design and installation of public facilities.
Policies:
CF-19. Promote conservation of energy, water and other natural resources in the
location and design of public facilities.
CF-20. Require the separation of sanitary and storm sewer facilities wherever
combined sewers may be discovered.
CF-21. Practice efficient and environmentally responsible maintenance and
operating procedures.
CF-22. The siting, design, construction and improvement of all public buildings shall
be done in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
CF-23. Promote economic and community stability and growth through strategic
investments in public facilities and public/private partnerships.
Goal # 4 – Community Benefits of Public Facilities
Provide public facilities that provide a sense of community that is inclusive of
diverse populations.
Policies:
CF-24. Contribute to community pride and foster a sense of community through
provision of public facilities that create a community-gathering place for neighbors,
family and friends.
CF-25. Through provision of public facilities, offer a broad range of activities
promoting social interactions especially with new residents.
CF-26. Provide maximum flexibility and multiple uses through design of public
facilities that are adaptable to changing interests.
CF-27. Provide a community center facility that is financially feasible, affordable for
participants, and can generate revenue to offset a portion of the operating costs.
Goal # 5 – Consistency with Other Adopted Plans
Make the Capital Facilities Plan consistent with other elements of the
comprehensive plan, and with other city, county, regional and state adopted plans.
Policies:
Page 45 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 28
CF-28. Ensure that the growth and development assumptions used in the Capital
Facilities Plan are consistent with similar assumptions in other elements of the
comprehensive plan.
CF-29. Coordinate with non-city providers of public facilities on a joint program for
maintaining applicable level of service standards, concurrency requirements,
funding, and construction of public facilities.
Goal #6 - Public and Institutional Buildings
To site public and institutional buildings in accord with their service function and
the needs of the members of the public served by the facility.
Policies:
CF-30. All “people-oriented” City facilities should be located near high-amenity
sites. Les Grove Park and downtown are particularly appropriate sites for senior
services, community centers, libraries, museums, etc.
CF-31. City park buildings should be developed in accordance with the Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Element.
CF-32. Public and institutional facilities should incorporate practices that reduce
energy consumption, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, conserve water,
provide electric vehicle infrastructure, and preserve native vegetation.
CF-33. Public and institutional facilities that attract a large number of visitors (City
Hall, museums, libraries, educational facilities, permit and license offices, health
and similar facilities, etc.) should be sited in areas that are accessible (within 1/4
mile) by transit.
CF-34. The City shall encourage other agencies to follow these siting principles in
considering new sites for public buildings.
CF-35. The location of religious institutions, private schools, community centers,
parks and similar public or institutional facilities shall be related to the size of the
facility and the area served. Citywide facilities should be sited in visible and
accessible locations.
CF-36. Small public or institutional facilities intended to serve one or two residential
neighborhoods may be located within a neighborhood. Larger public or
institutional facilities intended to serve mainly Auburn residents or businesses shall
be located along major arterial roads within the community-serving area of
Auburn; however, elementary schools should be given flexibility to locate along
smaller roads. Buffering from adjacent land uses may be required.
CF-37. The location of utility facilities is often dependent upon the physical
requirements of the utility system. Sewage lift stations, pump stations, water
Page 46 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 29
reservoirs, and other similar facilities should be sited, designed, and buffered
(through extensive screening and/or landscaping) to fit in harmoniously with their
surroundings. When sited within or adjacent to residential areas, special attention
should be given to minimizing noise, light, and glare impacts.
CF-38. Public facilities of an industrial or heavy commercial character should be
confined to the region-serving area of Auburn, unless no other reasonable siting
opportunity exists, in which case siting still must comply with applicable zoning
standards. Examples of such facilities are the City maintenance and operations
facility, state and regional solid waste facilities, and the Auburn School District bus
barn.
CF-39. The siting and relocation of City maintenance and operation facilities shall
be responsive to growing demands for utility, transportation, and fleet services, and
shall also account for the City’s role in emergency preparedness and response.
Goal # 7 - Essential Public Facilities
Essential public facilities include those facilities that are typically difficult to site
such as airports, state education facilities, state or regional transportation facilities
as defined in RCW 47.06.140, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste
handling facilities, and in-patient facilities including substance abuse facilities,
mental health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities as
defined in RCW 71.09.020.”
More generally, essential public facilities are facilities, conveyances, or sites that
meet the following definition: (1) the facility, conveyance or site is used to provide
services to the public; (2) these services are delivered by government agencies, or
private or nonprofit organizations that are under contract to or with substantial
funding from government agencies, or by private firms or organizations subject to
public service obligations; and (3) the facility or use of the site is necessary to
adequately provide a public service.
The Growth Management Act requires that a local comprehensive plan include a
process for siting essential public facilities. The Growth Management Act includes
these provisions because siting certain public facilities has become difficult due to
the impacts many of these facilities have on the adjacent community. Many factors
contribute to this problem, including increased demand for facilities to serve a
growing population, increased competition for land as the state becomes more
urbanized, problems with siting processes, and judicial decisions that compel
jurisdictions to provide certain facilities. By including a process for siting essential
facilities in the Comprehensive Plan, deficiencies in the siting process can be
minimized.
This section contains Auburn’s process for siting essential public facilities. This is an
interim process until development regulations are incorporated into city code.
Page 47 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 30
When that process is developed, Auburn may modify these procedures to reflect
the Council’s recommendation.
Policies:
CF-40. Essential Public Facility Siting Process.
1. The City will review proposals through the process outlined in Policies 3
through 8 below, if the essential public facility largely serves a regional,
countywide, statewide, or national need, and is included in a policy sense
within an adopted state or regional plan that meets both of the following
criteria:
a. The state or regional plan was developed through an appropriate
public process (including at least one local public hearing) and has
undergone a NEPA and/or SEPA review.
b. A clear policy statement supporting the type of facility proposed
must be included. The plan should also include, in a policy sense, a set
of siting guidelines to be used for such a facility. Such criteria may
include but are not limited to the type and sufficiency of
transportation access, colocation requirements, preferred adjacent
land uses, on- or off-site security and/or mitigation, and required
public facilities and services.
2. If the essential public facility largely serves a regional, countywide,
statewide or national need and is not part of an adopted state or regional
plan, the proponent will be required to request that the appropriate state or
regional plan be amended to include the proposal meeting the criteria
contained in Part 1 above. The proposal will also be reviewed following the
process outlined in Parts 3 through 8.
Essential Public Facilities of a regional, countywide, statewide, or national
nature:
3. Essential public facilities of a regional, countywide, statewide or national
nature will be reviewed by the City through the special area plan process.
The boundaries of the special area plan will be set at a scale directly related
to the size and magnitude of the proposal. For facilities of regional, state, and
national need, an alternative analysis will be performed, but will not be
limited to, the guidelines described in Part 1 above. Auburn staff shall
participate in the review process of Part 1 above, and use the data, analysis,
and environmental documents prepared in that process to aid the City’s
special area plan review, if Auburn determines that those documents are
adequate. If the facility requires other development permits, those approvals
also shall be considered within the review process.
Page 48 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 31
4. Impacts of the proposed essential public facility must be identified and an
appropriate mitigation plan developed. Unless otherwise governed by state
law, the financing strategy for the mitigation plan shall be structured so that
the costs of the plan shall be allocated proportionally on a benefit basis using
nonlocal sources of funding, although local sources of funding may also be
used.
5. The special area plan process to be used for essential public facilities of a
regional, countywide, statewide or national nature shall follow the City’s
Comprehensive Plan amendment process that includes multiple
opportunities for public involvement.
6. An analysis of the facility’s impact on City finances shall be undertaken. If
the study shows that locating a facility in a community would result in a
disproportionate financial burden on the City of Auburn, an agreement with
the project’s proponents must be executed to mitigate the adverse financial
impact or the approval shall be denied.
Essential Public Facilities of primarily local nature:
7. If the essential public facility meets largely local needs (for example, in-
patient facilities, including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities
and group homes), the facility shall be considered based upon Section 8
below.
All Essential Public Facilities:
8. The following criteria shall be used to evaluate all applications to site
essential public facilities:
a. Whether there is a public need for the facility
b. The impact of the facility on the surrounding uses and environment,
the City and the region
c. Whether the design of the facility or the operation of the facility can
be conditioned, or the impacts mitigated, in a manner similar to those
used in traditional private development, in order to make the facility
compatible with the affected area and the environment
d. Whether a package of mitigating measures can be developed that
would make siting the facility within the community more acceptable.
e. Whether the factors that make the facility difficult to site can be
modified to increase the range of available sites or to minimize
impacts on affected areas and the environment.
f. Whether the proposed essential public facility is consistent with the
Auburn Comprehensive Plan.
Page 49 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 32
g. Essential public facilities shall comply with any applicable state
siting and permitting requirements (e.g., hazardous waste facilities).
h. Whether the State proves by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence
that (1) a sufficient and reasonable number of alternative sites have
been fully, fairly, and competently considered, and (2) such sites were
found to be unsuitable for an SCTF for reasons other than the cost of
property.
i. Whether careful analysis has been completed to show that siting of
the facility will have no undue impact on any one racial, cultural, or
socioeconomic group, and that there will not be a resulting
concentration of similar facilities in a particular neighborhood,
community, jurisdiction or region.
CF-41. The Planning Director or designee shall determine whether a development
application will result in a significant change of use or a significant change in the
intensity of use of an existing essential public facility. If the Planning Director or
designee determines that the proposed changes are significant, the proposal will
be subject to the essential public facility siting process as defined in Goal #4, Policy
CF-10. If the Planning Director or designee determines that the proposed changes
are insignificant, the application shall be reviewed through the City’s standard
development review procedures. The Planning Director or designee's
determination shall be based upon:
a. The proposal’s impacts on the surrounding area.
b. The likelihood that there will be future additions, expansions, or further
activity related to or connected with the proposal.
CF-42. One of the difficulties of siting essential public facilities is that they are
allowed in some but not all appropriate areas. To help address this problem,
Auburn shall allow essential public facilities in all zones where they would be
compatible. The types of facilities that are compatible will vary with the impacts
likely from the facility and the zoning district. Essential public facilities are likely
most compatible in the M-2 Heavy Industrial Zoning District. Uses within the zone
may generate more externalities to the surrounding area.
CF-43. Essential public facilities shall be allowed in those zoning districts in which
they would be compatible, and impacts can be mitigated. In situations where
specific development standards cannot be met, but it is determined that the
facility can be made compatible, the City Council can waive those specific
standards with the requirement that appropriate mitigation is provided. The M-2
Zoning District should include broad use categories that allow all essential public
facilities that are difficult to site as permitted or conditional uses as appropriate.
CF-44. Essential public facilities should be equitably located throughout the City,
county and state. No jurisdiction should absorb a disproportionate share.
Page 50 of 348
DRAFT – July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Capital Facilities Element | CFE - 33
CF-45. Essential public facilities of a regional, countywide, statewide, or national
nature should be restricted to the region-serving area of Auburn. Such facilities
should be located in relationship to transportation facilities in a manner
appropriate to their transportation needs. Extensive buffering from adjacent uses
may be required. Facilities that generate a significant amount of truck traffic
should be located such that they are served by existing truck routes or mitigation
provided to address impacts on the street network.
Page 51 of 348
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Utilities Element Presentation (Steiner)
Date:
June 25, 2024
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
Attachment C - Utilities Element Pres entation
Attachment D - V2 Draft Utilities Element
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Steiner
Meeting Date:July 2, 2024 Item Number:
Page 52 of 348
AUBURN
VALUES
SERVICE
ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMY
CHARACTER
SUSTAINABILITY
WELLNESS
CELEBRATION
CITY DEPARTMENTS
2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
–UTILITIES ELEMENT
JOSH STEINER, AICP, SENIOR PLANNER
PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 2, 2024
Department of Community Development
Planning Building Development Engineering Permit Center
Economic Development Community Services ● Code Enforcement
Page 53 of 348
(3) A Utilities Element consisting of:
(a)General location, proposed location, and capacity of all existing and
proposed utilities including, but not limited to, electrical,
telecommunications, and natural gas systems. Forecast of the future
needs for such capital facilities;
(b)Identify all public entities that own utility systems and endeavor in
good faith to work with other public entities, such as special purpose
districts, to gather and include within its utilities element the
information
Core Changes to Utilities Use Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES FACILITIES ELEMENT
Regulatory Requirements (RCW 36.70A.070)
Page 54 of 348
Capital Facilities Element –
Inventory, Level of Service, Future
Plans, Growth, Essential Public
Facility Policies, Municipal Buildings
Policies
Element and Plan Alignment
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES FACILITIES ELEMENT
How the Elements and Plans Fit Together
Capital Facilities Plan – Project
Finances and Financial Policies.
Combined with CFE, satisfies GMA
Comp Plan Requirements.
Utilities Element – Overview of City-
owned and Privately-Owned Utilities, and
References to Other Plans, Privately -
Owned and Solid Waste Policies
Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Systems
Plans – Technical Information and
Policies
Privately-owned Utility Plans– Technical Information
and Policies. Not included as part of Comp Plan.
Page 55 of 348
Consolidate Private Utilities and City-owned utilities policies and
information into one Element
City-owned utilities was located in Capital Facilities Element and
Capital Facilities Plan
Incorporate information from Systems Plan and Reference
Overall formatting and refinements for readability
Few comments from agencies
Multi-Department Effort
Core Changes to Utilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES ELEMENT
Element Update Framework
Page 56 of 348
City -Owned and Operated Utilities
Water
Stormwater
Sewer
Private Utilities
Electricity and Natural Gas
Puget Sound Energy provides services to most of city
Enumclaw Natural Gas serves residential customers in Auburn Adventist Academy
area
Telecommunications
Conventional Telephone service by CenturyLink
Cellular Telephone towers throughout city, regulated by FCC
Cable television provided by Comcast through aerial and underground cables
Core Changes to Utilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES ELEMENT
Capital Facilities Types
Page 57 of 348
Water, Sewer, Stormwater policies in individual System Plans adopted
by reference
Utility Element policies focus on private utility services, but do not
include specific policies developed by service providers. Addressed at
a high level.
No updates to private utility goals and policies.
Core Changes to Utilities Element
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES ELEMENT
Policy Updates
Page 58 of 348
July 16th – Public Hearing
Requested updates based on feedback
Next Steps
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES ELEMENT
October 23rd – Planning Commission Action (same night as
Capital Facilities Element and Water Comprehensive Plan action)
Page 59 of 348
Questions, Discussion, and Feedback
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION
2024 PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
UTILITIES ELEMENT
Page 60 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn
Utilities Element
Page 61 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
Table of Contents
Intent of the Utilities Element ................................................................................................................. 1
Values .................................................................................................................................................................... 1
City-Owned and Operated Utilities ...................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Conditions and Trends ........................................................................................................................... 2
Utility Services ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Private Utilities ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Vision ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Electricity and Natural Gas .................................................................................................................. 8
Telecommunications ...............................................................................................................................9
Solid Waste ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Goals and Policies ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Page 62 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE- 1
Intent of the Utilities Element
The Utilities Element is required by the Department of Commerce to be included in
the Comprehensive Plan per RCW 36.70A.070, and consists of the general location,
proposed location, and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities including
electrical, telecommunications, and natural gas systems. This Element generally
describes these “privately-owned” services, as well as solid waste services, however
Auburn does not own or operate these services and relies on outside service
providers such as Puget Sound Energy and Waste Management.
This Element includes descriptions of “privately-owned” and summaries of city-
owned and operated utilities such as water, sewer, and stormwater. Detailed
information for both privately-owned and city-owned utilities can be found in the
Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Systems Plans adopted by the City and referenced
in the Comprehensive Plan, and by contacting privately-owned utility providers.
Values
Character: Utilities will provide a positive contribution to the quality, aesthetics, and
functionality of the community.
Wellness: Utility infrastructure and systems support the delivery of safe and
efficient electricity, gas, and telecommunications.
Service: Utility infrastructure and systems support the City’s goals of providing
accessible and transparent government services and processes.
Economy: Businesses are served by utility infrastructure meeting or exceeding the
needs for market entry and future growth.
Celebration: Telecommunication systems are fully utilized to reach a broader cross-
section of the community in a way that brings people together for civic activities,
cultural events, and social awareness.
Environment: Siting, installation, and maintenance of utilities will ensure
protection, preservation, and respect of the wildlife habitat, water quality, and
environmentally sensitive features.
Sustainability: When designing, constructing, and maintaining utilities, a long-term
investment horizon is favored over concepts that only provide short-term benefits
and outcomes.
City-Owned and Operated Utilities
Introduction
Page 63 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -2
This section provides overall policy direction for the different utility services
provided by the city, including water, sewer, and stormwater facilities. A key
provision of the Growth Management Act is concurrency. In general, concurrency
seeks to ensure that development is permitted only if adequate public facilities are,
or can be guaranteed to be, available to support new development. Concurrency
requires that facilities needed to maintain a locally adopted level of service be
provided “concurrently” with development. Concurrency places the finance
function of local government in a much more prominent role in the land use
development process. While the concept of concurrency is new to many
jurisdictions, it has been used in Auburn since the adoption of its 1986
Comprehensive Plan.
Conditions and Trends
Accommodating Growth
The provision and sizing of public facilities such as streets or waterlines and sewer
lines can influence the rate or timing of development and is an important means of
managing growth. Timed provision of facilities also ensures that new development
can be assimilated into the existing community without serious disruptions or
adverse impacts. This Plan establishes policies to allow development when and
where all public facilities are adequate or can be made adequate, but only if such
development can be adequately served by public facilities and services consistent
with the adopted level-of-service standards.
Utility Services
The following services are owned and operated by the City of Auburn.
Water System
The City of Auburn (City) manages the water utility in accordance with established
water- system policies that govern various facets of utility operations. City policies
are established by the City in order to provide a vision or mission of the water utility
and to provide a framework for the design, operation, and ongoing wellbeing of the
City’s water utility.
The policies included in this Water Comprehensive Plan are developed specifically
for the City’s multi-source municipal water system and seek to provide consistent
treatment to all utility customers and to provide documentation to current water-
system customers as well as those considering service from the City. It should be
noted that what is included in these policies is limited to those things related to the
water system and its design, maintenance, and operation. There are other policies
and criteria that pertain to the water utility the City has in place regarding land use,
development, and financial components, which are not directly addressed in this
plan, that could still have an impact on the needs of the water system. These
policies and criteria may include factors such as zoning regulations, building codes,
infrastructure requirements, and financing options. These additional factors will be
Page 64 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -3
considered when planning for the water system, to meet the needs of the
community in a sustainable and effective matter.
The City’s Water Comprehensive Plan is based upon the following mission statement
for the water utility: “The City will provide for the efficient, environmentally sound
and safe management of the existing and future water system within Auburn’s
service area.”
• The City’s Water utility policies are grouped within goal statements that are
headlined under the following categories:
• Business Practices
• Service Area
• Operations and Maintenance
• Financial
• Planning
• Environmental Stewardship
• Design and Construction
Page 65 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -4
Map U-1 – Water Utility Providers
Page 66 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -5
Stormwater Systems
This chapter describes a set of overarching goals for the City’s Storm Drainage
Utility and policies for complying with these goals.
UE-83 City Comprehensive Plan Consistency
The City Comprehensive Plan is the City’s growth management plan and contains
policies for protecting critical areas and natural resource lands, designating urban
growth areas, preparing comprehensive utility plans, and implementing them
through capital investments and development regulations. Therefore, the City
Comprehensive Plan provides a framework of policies for development, expansion,
and maintenance of the Storm Drainage Utility reflected in this Storm Drainage
Comprehensive Plan.
UE-84 Storm Drainage Comprehensive Plan Policy Goals
The City’s Storm Drainage Utility policies are grouped within goal statements that
are headlined under the following categories:
• System Planning
• Operations and Maintenance
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Environment and Regional Coordination
Taken together with the City Comprehensive Plan and Auburn City Code (ACC)
these goals define how the Storm Drainage Utility shall be operated and
maintained. Several policies have been developed within each goal, many of which
are also based on the Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater
Management Manual (SWMMWW) and the City’s Phase II National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination Stormwater Permit (NPDES).
Sewer Systems
The City desires to employ recognized best business practices that result in an
efficient and cost-effective operation of the Sanitary Sewer Utility. The City shall
identify the key business functions within the Sanitary Sewer Utility (e.g., billing,
permitting, asset management, and planning) and develop supporting best
business practices for each.
The City understands that defining and implementing best business practices is a
long-term effort and will require a stepwise approach. Given that the Sanitary
Sewer Utility is made up largely of physical assets that have the greatest value and
deserve the greatest commitment to operate and maintain, the City shall continue
to prioritize the business practice of asset management.
Page 67 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-6
Asset management is a systematic approach to maintaining assets in good
working order to minimize future costs of maintaining and replacing them,
especially to avoid costly deferred maintenance. The best practices for asset
management involve systematically basing choices on an understanding of asset
condition and performance, risks, and costs in the long term. Asset best practices
include:
• Having extensive knowledge about assets and their costs for maintenance
and replacement (i.e., detailed inventories);
• Maintaining Levels of Service;
• Taking a life-cycle approach to asset management planning; and
• Implementing the planned solutions to provide a reliable, cost-effective
service.
Since the adoption of the 2016 Comprehensive Sewer Plan, the Sanitary Sewer
Utility has compiled an inventory of assets and their conditions for approximate
70% of its currents assets. The Sanitary Sewer Utility shall continue implementing
the above best practices during the next planning period.
Sewer Comprehensive Plan Policies, Standards, and Guidelines
This Plan presents policies and standards related to system development,
maintenance, funding, and generally how the Sanitary Sewer Utility should
operate. These policies define limits and outline how the wastewater collection
system should be operated and maintained and are grouped within goal
statements that are headlined under the following categories:
• Service Area
• System Planning
• Operations and Maintenance
• Environmental Stewardship
• System Performance and Reliability
• Fiscal Responsibility
Page 68 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -7
Map U-2 – Sewer Utility Providers
Page 69 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | U E -8
Private Utilities
Introduction
The Growth Management Act requires the City of Auburn to include a Private
Utilities Element within its Comprehensive Plan. The element should pro- vide a
framework for the efficient and predictable provision and siting of utility facilities
and ser- vices within the City, consistent with each serving utility’s public service
obligations. This element covers private utilities (those not provided by the City of
Auburn), and includes electricity, telecommunications, and natural gas. City-owned
water, sewer, and stormwater utilities are described within the Capital Facilities
Element (Chapter 3) of this Comprehensive Plan.
Investor-owned utilities in the state of Washington are regulated by the
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. State law regulates the rates,
charges, services facilities, and practices of utilities. Any changes in policies of these
aspects of utility provision require WUTC approval.
The primary responsibility for the planning of private utilities rests with utility
providers. Clearly, however, planning cannot take place without open lines of
communication between the City and utility providers. The City acknowledges that
some private utility providers are not willing to provide capacity or future
construction plans, as some of this information may affect their competitiveness or
be considered proprietary. Private utilities, however, must recognize that not pro-
viding relevant information may hinder the City’s ability to assist them in their
projects.
Vision
Private utilities in Auburn are planned, designed, and constructed in a manner that
adequately supports the future growth scenarios predicted in the City’s Land Use
Element and that meets the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
Sustainability is a principle that guides decisions for where utilities are placed, how
they are constructed, how they are operated and maintained, and how all aspects
of design, construction, and operation are funded.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Puget Sound Energy provides electrical and natural gas service to the City of Auburn
and its potential annexation area. PSE is an investor-owned private utility that
provides service to approximately 1.2 million customers in a service area that covers
6,000 square miles.
Electricity
PSE builds, operates, and maintains an electrical system consisting of generation,
transmission, and distribution facilities. Facility technology for electricity
transmission may change in the future in order to respond to the need for more
Page 70 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-9
efficient facilities, address various electromagnetic field and health concerns, and
diversify resources. Utility policies should be updated in the future to consider
changes in technology, facilities, and services.
Natural Gas
The Northwest Pipeline Corporation and Enumclaw Natural Gas also have gas lines
in the southeastern portion of the City. Northwest
Pipeline Corporation’s only customer in Auburn is Enumclaw Natural Gas. Enumclaw
Natural Gas serves Auburn residential customers in the area of the Auburn Adventist
Academy.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications includes a wide range of services including conventional
telephone, cellular telephone, and cable television. Telecommunications
technology continues to change rapidly. The City of Auburn owns and maintains a
robust fiber optic Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) that connects most City
owned building facilities and traffic signals throughout the Auburn area.
Conventional Telephone
Conventional local telephone service to the City is provided by CenturyLink.
CenturyLink is a global provider of telecommunications services.
Calls are switched at facilities called central offices. Typically, four main lines leave
each central office – one in each direction. Auburn’s central office is located in
downtown Auburn.
Several carriers provide long distance service to the area. These providers have
underground fiber-optic cables passing through the City of Auburn.
Cellular Telephone
Cellular telecommunications provide mobile telephone communications via radios
that send and receive signals from a network of receivers mounted on utility poles,
towers, buildings, or other structures on private property or within a right-of-way.
Cellular communication companies offer digital voice, messaging, and high-speed
wireless data services to customers.
Cellular telephone service within the City, its potential annexation areas, and the
Puget Sound region overall is provided by multiple private companies. Cellular
providers are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. Technology
and business practices in the area of telecommunications continue to change
rapidly.
Cable Television
Page 71 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-10
Cable television service is provided by Comcast through a combination of aerial
and underground cables. The locations of existing and planned cable lines are
shown on Map 6.4.
Solid Waste
The City of Auburn contracts with WM for collection of municipal garbage,
recycling, and yard waste. Waste Management disposes of Auburn’s garbage at a
King County Solid Waste transfer station. Recycling is processed at WM’s material
recycling facility in Tacoma, WA. WM takes the yard and food waste to either DTG
in Tacoma, WA or Cedar Grove in Maple Valley, WA to be converted into compost.
There is a small area of Auburn that was recently annexed. This area is serviced by
Republic Services. Republic Services takes the garbage to a King County Solid
Waste transfer station, the recycling is processed at their material recycling center
in Seattle, WA, and yard and food waste is taken to Cedar Grove in Maple Valley,
WA. There are approximately 20,200 Waste Management accounts as of 2024.
Goals and Policies
The following are Goals and Policies related to the private utility providers and
ongoing coordination with those providers to help accommodate future growth
planned in the Comprehensive Plan.
Goal # 1 – Service Area
Allow the development of private utilities to meet the needs of the existing community
and provide for its planned growth consistent with serving utilities’ public service
obligations.
Policies:
U-1. Private utility providers will utilize the City’s Comprehensive Plan Map for guidance
regarding future land uses and intensities in order to determine and plan for future
service. Private utility facilities and systems should be consistent with the uses and
densities allowed by the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The City will make this
information easily available to utility providers. The City will also coordinate with utility
providers on pending development proposals (both public and private). In return, the City
expects a cooperative posture toward coordinated and timely expansion of infrastructure.
U-2. Private utility companies should strive to provide utility services to all segments of
the Auburn population and areas of the community in an equitable manner that prioritizes
easy access and that offers pricing structures that strive to reduce barriers that otherwise
exclude portions of the community.
Page 72 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-11
U-3. Construction of facilities and provision of services by private utility providers within
the City of Auburn shall be in compliance with all of the goals and policies of this
Comprehensive Plan.
Goal # 2 – Compatibility in the Community
Prioritize visual quality of private utility facilities consistent with the serving utilities’ public
service obligations.
Policies:
U-4. The City shall require that new private utility distribution, service, and
telecommunication lines be located underground within all new developments. The City
will also work with utility companies to relocate existing distribution, service, and
telecommunication lines underground as a part of new development whenever it is
technologically feasible, and as part of City capital roadway projects whenever it is
economically and technologically feasible. Expansions and upgrades completed by
private utilities will be required to be underground unless they meet appropriate
exemptions.
U-5. To reduce visual clutter, antennas, relay mechanisms, and similar structures
should be located on existing poles, structures, or buildings whenever possible. When
deemed feasible and necessary to minimize impacts on adjacent uses or views by the
City, visual screening may be required.
U-6. The location of utility facilities is often dependent upon the physical requirements of
the utility system. All utility facilities should be sited, designed, and buffered (through
extensive screening and/or landscaping) to fit in with their surroundings harmoniously
and safely. When sited within or adjacent to residential areas, special attention should
be given to minimizing noise, light, and glare impacts.
U-7. Utility service boxes and cabinets should be designed, oriented and/or treated with
in a manner intended to reduce the likelihood of graffiti tagging, contribute to Auburn’s
arts and culture programming, and to enhance the overall appearance of the
community.
U-8. Generator and back up generators that are located within residential areas should
be visually screened and incorporate techniques that mitigate noise impacts consistent
with local and state requirements.
U-9. Substations and maintenance buildings within residential areas should be
screened, landscaped and/or designed in a manner that provides visual compatibility.
Goal # 3 – Safety and Efficiency
Prioritize the safe and efficient installation, maintenance and operation of private utility
facilities consistent with the serving utilities’ public service obligations.
Policies:
Page 73 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-12
U-10. Common utility trenches should be encouraged and coordinated by both private and public providers whenever possible.
U-11. Decisions regarding private utility facilities within Auburn should consider the
safe, adequate, and efficient availability of these utilities to other jurisdictions.
Goal # 4 – Sustainability and Equity
Prioritize equitable access to the services offered by private utility facilities and ensure
that the location, installation and maintenance of private utilities is carried our in an
environmentally sensitive manner.
Policies:
U-12. The City shall consider the environmental impacts of proposed utility facilities as
a part of its environmental review process. When requested by the City, the utility
provider shall furnish documentation of current research results and/or provide
additional information related to determination of the potential environmental impacts, if
any, from the proposed facilities.
U-13. Private utility companies are recognized as providers of important services
necessary for maintaining current and future lifestyles as well as contributing to equitable
community outcomes.
U-14. Private utilities that are permitted to operate within Auburn offer various
technological means for accessing information, education, services, and assistance.
Because Auburn believes that all residents should be afforded equal access to
education, information and services private utility providers should seek to recognize
and reduce access barriers.
Table 1 - List of Utility Providers
Provider Contact Info Map #
City of Auburn Water Customer Service Center
1 East Main Street
2nd Floor
Auburn, WA 98002
253-931-3010
U-1
Lakehaven Water and Sewer 31627A 1st Ave S
P.O. Box 4249
Federal Way, WA 98063
253-941-1516
U-1
Lake Meridian Water 27224 144th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
253-631-3770 Office
U-1
City of Kent Water Kent City Hall
220 4th Ave S,
Kent, WA 98032
253-859-3373
U-1
Page 74 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-13
Bonney Lake Water Public Services Center
21719 96th ST E
Buckley, WA 98321
253-447-4319
U-1
Logandale Water Assoc. PO Box 1254
Auburn, WA 98071
U-1
Hazelwood Heights Water Assoc. 30224 108TH Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092
U-1
Rocky Acres Water System 28120 105TH Ave SE
Auburn, WA, 98092-4075
U-1
Crestview West Water System PO Box 194
Kent, WA 98035-0194
U-1
Crestview Tracts Water System 11237 SE 286th St
Auburn, WA 98092
U-1
Derbyshire Scenic Acres Water System 11628 SE 282ND ST
Auburn, WA 98092-4051
U-1
Wells Water Assoc. 28804 124th Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092
U-1
Auburn Park Community Assoc. U-1
South Auburn Community Assoc. 3005 C ST SE
Auburn, WA 98002-8829
U-1
City of Auburn Sewer Customer Service Center
1 East Main Street
2nd Floor
Auburn, WA 98002
253-931-3010
U-2
Lakehaven Water and Sewer 31627A 1st Ave S
P.O. Box 4249
Federal Way, WA 98063
253-941-1516
U-2
City of Kent Sewer Kent City Hall
220 4th Ave S,
Kent, WA 98032
253-859-3373
U-2
Soos Creek Water and Sewer District 14616 SE 192nd St
Renton, WA 98058
253-630-9900
U-2
City of Auburn Stormwater Customer Service Center
1 East Main Street
2nd Floor
Auburn, WA 98002
253-931-3010
N/A –
Consistent with
City boundary
Puget Sound Energy – Electricity and Gas
www.pse.com
1-888-321-7779
N/A –
Consistent with
City boundary
Comcast www. business.comcast.com
1-855-237-7896
N/A –
Consistent with
City boundary
Page 75 of 348
DRAFT for July 2, 2024 Planning Commission Transmittal
City of Auburn Utilities Element | UE-14
Goal # 5 - Solid Waste
To provide area residents and businesses with a universal and compulsory system
for collection and disposal of all solid waste, including ample waste reduction and
recycling opportunities intended to maximize diversion of the City’s waste stream
away from costly landfills, incineration, or other solid waste disposal facilities, and
to conserve exhaustible resources.
Policies:
U-15. The King County Solid Waste Management Plan and Solid Waste Interlocal
Forum, except as modified by City of Auburn Ordinance No. 4413 and this Plan shall
form the basis for solid waste management activities within the City.
U-16. The City shall continue to fund solid waste collection, disposal and waste
reduction and recycling programs and services through the existing solid waste
utility, with supplemental funding provided through available grants.
U-17. The City shall implement solid waste management programs and services
that provide ample opportunities and incentives to maximize the community’s
participation in local and regional waste reduction and recycling efforts.
U-18. The City’s solid waste management programs shall be developed to make
waste reduction and recycling efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and convenient for
all residents and businesses.
U-19. The City encourages and should promote the use of products manufactured
from recycled materials, and the use of materials that can be recycled. City
Departments and contractors shall use recycled and recyclable products whenever
and wherever feasible.
U-20. The City shall implement solid waste reduction and recycling programs that
have the cumulative effect maintaining the 50 percent waste reduction and
recycling goal (recycling tons/total solid waste stream).
U-21. The City shall periodically monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Auburn’s
waste reduction and recycling programs to ensure that local and state goals and
policies are being met.
U-22. The City shall promote the recycling of solid waste materials by providing
opportunities for convenient recycling and by developing educational materials on
recycling, composting and other waste reduction methods.
Page 76 of 348
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Water System Plan Presentation (Vondrak)
Date:
June 25, 2024
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
Attachment E - Water Sys tem Plan Presentation
Attachment F - Draft Water Sys tem Plan
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Vondrak
Meeting Date:July 2, 2024 Item Number:
Page 77 of 348
AUBURNVALUESSERVICEENVIRONMENTECONOMYCHARACTERSUSTAINABILITYWELLNESSCELEBRATIONENGINEERING SERVICES2024 COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN OVERVIEW AND UPDATE RYAN VONDRAK, UTILITIES ENGINEERING MANAGERPLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGJULY 2, 2024Public Works DepartmentEngineering Services Airport Services Maintenance & Operations ServicesPage 78 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANOVERVIEW AND UPDATEAuburn Comprehensive Plan ElementsCore Plan (Community Development)Land Use Element (Community Development)Housing Element (Community Development)Historic Preservation (Community Development)Climate Change – NEW (Community Development)Economic Development (Community Development)Capital Facilities Element (Public Works) Transportation Element (Public Works)Utilities Element (Public Works)Parks and Recreation (Parks) Citywide effort involving all departments coordinating together to create a cohesive, consistent, and forward-thinking Plan covering range of subject areas2Page 79 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONSpring 2023 –Council Review of Goals and Policies•Update Existing System Information•Update and Calibrate Hydraulic ModelFall 2023 –Complete Population/ Employment Projections•Future Demand Projections•Identify Future Capacity Issues•Plan for Future Projects and AssessmentsSpring/Summer 2024 - Planning Commission Review•D.O.H. Review•King County Review•Pierce County Review•Adjacent Purveyor Review•SEPA ReviewFall 2024 –City Council Review and Adoption 3PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS/MILESTONESPage 80 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION4 Water Service AreasAcademy, Lakeland Hills, Lea Hill & ValleySources of Water: 6 active Wells, 2 Springs & 2 Interties (Tacoma)≈ 306 miles Water MainOver 15,000 Service Connections2024 WATER UTILITY INTRODUCTIONSERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONService Area and Adjacent Purveyors4Page 81 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION8 Pump Stations2 Treatment Facilities8 ReservoirsOperate 1 Satellite SystemProvide Wholesale Water to Algona Produce ≈ 2.5 billion gallons of water per year2024 WATER UTILITY INTRODUCTIONSERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONAcademy Pump Station5Fulmer Treatment FacilityPage 82 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANKey Elements•Format updated to follow Department of Health (DOH) Guidebook and DOH Design Manual•Creating 10-yr and 20-yr Planning Periods6Page 83 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 1 Description of the Water System•Ownership and Management•System History and Background•Service Areas, Maps, and Land Uses•System Policies•Consistency7Page 84 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 1 Description of the Water System Policies:•Business Practice•Service Area•Operations and Maintenance•Financial•Planning•Environmental Stewardship•Design and ConstructionJuly 10, 2023•Water Policies Review & DiscussionBroad statements indicating a general aim or purpose to be achieved.GoalsTopic-specific statement providing guidelines for current and future decision-making.Indicates a clear commitment of the local legislative body.Policies8Page 85 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 2 Basic Planning Data•Water Service Area Population •Water Service Connections and Usage•Water Supply and Production•Distribution System Leakage•Water Supply Characteristics•Water Supply Reliability Evaluation•Future Population Projections and Land Use •Future Water Demand 9Page 86 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 3 System Analysis and Asset Management•Asset Management – Inventory and Analysis•Water Quality•Design Standards•Capacity Analysis•Identify Deficiencies10Page 87 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 4 Water use Efficiency•Source and Service Metering•Distribution System Leakage•Water Use Efficiency Program•Water Use Efficiency Savings•Climate Change Resiliency11Page 88 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 5 Source Water Protection•Sanitary Control Area•Wellhead Protection Program12Page 89 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 6 Operation and Maintenance Program•Water System Management and Personnel•Operations and Preventive Maintenance•Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring•Emergency Preparedness and Response•Safety Procedures13Page 90 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 6 Operation and Maintenance Program•Cross Connection Control Program•Sanitary Survey Findings•Customer Complaint Response Program•Recordkeeping and Reporting•Summary of O&M Deficiencies and Recommended Improvements14Page 91 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 7 Design and Construction Standards•Project Review Procedures•Policies and Requirements for Outside Parties•Design and Construction Standards•Construction Certification15Page 92 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 8 Capital Improvements Plan•Prioritization•Capital Improvement Program•Capital Improvement Summary and Schedule16Page 93 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN17Page 94 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN18Page 95 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATION2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLANChapter 9 Financial Analysis•Costs of Service•Capital Improvement Funding Plan•Maintaining Reserves•Rate Evaluation19Page 96 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONNEXT STEPSSERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONDecember 2024• Resolution for AdoptionOctober 2024• Draft Plan Discussion with CouncilJuly-September 2024• SEPA and Agency ReviewsJuly 2024• Planning Commission 20Page 97 of 348
SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CHARACTER SUSTAINABILITY WELLNESS CELEBRATIONAny Questions?2024 WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN21Page 98 of 348
2024
Water System Plan
City of Auburn, Washington
June 2024
DRAFT - FOR AGENCY REVIEW
PREPARED BY:
Consor
Point of Contact: Nichole Kruse
600 University Street, Suite #300
Seattle, WA 98101
P: 206-462-7046
E: Nichole.Kruse@consoreng.com
PREPARED FOR:
City of Auburn
Point of Contact: Ryan Vondrak
25 W Main Street
Auburn, WA 98001
P: 253-931-3086
E: Rvondrak@auburnwa.gov
Page 99 of 348
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 100 of 348
City of Auburn, WA
Water System Plan
June 2024
This Plan was prepared under the direction of the following registered professional engineers:
Nichole Kruse, PE
Consor
Seattle, WA
Ryan Vondrak, PE
City of Auburn, Washington
PRELI
MI
N
A
R
Y
Page 101 of 348
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 102 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page i
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................ES-1
ES.1 Description of Water System.........................................................................................................ES-1
Es.2 Basic Planning Data........................................................................................................................ES-5
Water Service Connections and Usage...........................................................................................ES-5
Water Supply and Production.........................................................................................................ES-5
Future Population and Demand Projections...................................................................................ES-6
ES.3 System Analysis and Asset Management......................................................................................ES-7
Asset Management.........................................................................................................................ES-7
Water Quality..................................................................................................................................ES-7
Design Standards ............................................................................................................................ES-7
Capacity Analysis.............................................................................................................................ES-7
ES.4 Water Use Efficiency Program.......................................................................................................ES-9
Source and Service Metering ..........................................................................................................ES-9
Distribution System Leakage.........................................................................................................ES-10
Water Use Efficiency Program......................................................................................................ES-10
Climate Change Resiliency............................................................................................................ES-11
ES.5 Source Water Protection.............................................................................................................ES-11
ES.6 Operations and Maintenance Program.......................................................................................ES-14
ES.7 Distribution Facilities Design and Construction Standards.........................................................ES-14
ES.8 Capital Improvement Program....................................................................................................ES-15
ES.9 Financial Program........................................................................................................................ES-15
Chapter 1 Description of Water System
1.1 Objective............................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Plan Content......................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Ownership and Management ...........................................................................................................1-1
1.4 System History and Background.......................................................................................................1-4
1.4.1 Geography................................................................................................................................1-4
1.4.2 Existing System Overview........................................................................................................1-5
Page 103 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page ii
1.4.3 History......................................................................................................................................1-7
1.5 Related Plans and Studies...............................................................................................................1-13
1.6 Service Area, Maps, and Land Use..................................................................................................1-16
1.6.1 Wholesale Interties................................................................................................................1-20
1.6.2 Emergency Interties...............................................................................................................1-21
1.7 System Policies................................................................................................................................1-22
1.8 Duty of Service.................................................................................................................................1-22
1.9 Local Government Consistency.......................................................................................................1-23
1.10 Watershed Plan Consistency.........................................................................................................1-23
Chapter 2 Basic Planning Data
2.1 Water Service Area Population.........................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Water Service Connection and Usage ..............................................................................................2-2
2.2.1 Historical Accounts ..................................................................................................................2-3
2.2.2 Historical Consumption............................................................................................................2-4
2.2.3 Water Use Per Connection and Equivalent Residential Units.................................................2-6
2.2.4 Largest Water Users................................................................................................................2-7
2.3 Water Supply and Production.........................................................................................................2-10
2.3.1Historical Water Supply .........................................................................................................2-10
2.3.2 Average Day Demands and Maximum Day Demands .........................................................2-11
2.3.3 Peak Hour Demand................................................................................................................2-12
2.3.4 Seasonal Variations ...............................................................................................................2-13
2.4 Distribution System Leakage...........................................................................................................2-14
2.5 Water Supply Characteristics..........................................................................................................2-15
2.6 Water Supply Reliability Evaluation................................................................................................2-16
2.6.1 Use Impacts on Instream Flows.............................................................................................2-17
2.6.2 Whole Interties ......................................................................................................................2-17
2.6.3 Emergency Interties...............................................................................................................2-18
2.6.4 Potential Interties ..................................................................................................................2-18
2.7 Future Population Projections and Land Use.................................................................................2-18
2.7.1 Demographic Forecast...........................................................................................................2-18
2.7.2 Future Land Use and Zoning..................................................................................................2-19
2.7.3 Projected Demographic Growth............................................................................................2-22
2.8 Future Water Demand....................................................................................................................2-29
Page 104 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page iii
2.8.1 Projected Number of Connections.........................................................................................2-29
2.8.2 Projected Water Demand......................................................................................................2-31
2.8.3 Large User Demand Forecast................................................................................................2-32
2.8.4 Projected Retail ERUs ............................................................................................................2-32
2.8.5 Projected Retail Average Day and Maximum Day Demands................................................2-34
2.8.6 Wholesale Demands..............................................................................................................2-36
2.8.7 Total Demands.......................................................................................................................2-37
Chapter 3 System Analysis and Asset Management
3.1 Asset Management – Asset Inventory and Analysis.........................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Distribution Facilities ...............................................................................................................3-6
3.1.2 Water Source Facilities..........................................................................................................3-15
3.1.3 Water Treatment Facilities....................................................................................................3-18
3.1.4 Storage Facilities....................................................................................................................3-21
3.1.5 Pump Station Facilities ..........................................................................................................3-23
3.1.6 Facility Back-Up Power..........................................................................................................3-24
3.1.7 Facility Monitoring and Control.............................................................................................3-25
3.1.8 2022 Sanitary Survey Findings...............................................................................................3-25
3.2 Water Quality..................................................................................................................................3-27
3.2.1 Water Quality Treatment and Objectives .............................................................................3-27
3.2.2 Analysis of Source Water Quality..........................................................................................3-28
3.2.3 Analysis of Distribution System Water Quality .....................................................................3-29
3.2.4 Recent Regulatory Changes...................................................................................................3-31
3.3 Design Standards.............................................................................................................................3-32
3.4 Capacity Analysis.............................................................................................................................3-34
3.4.1 Water Rights..........................................................................................................................3-34
3.4.2 Physical Capacity Analysis.....................................................................................................3-36
3.5 Summary of System Deficiencies....................................................................................................3-59
Chapter 4 Water Use Efficiency Program
4.1 Source and Service Metering............................................................................................................4-2
4.1.1 Source Meters..........................................................................................................................4-2
4.1.2 Service Meters..........................................................................................................................4-3
4.2 Distribution System Leakage.............................................................................................................4-4
Page 105 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page iv
4.2.1 Water Audits............................................................................................................................4-5
4.3 Water Use Efficiency Program..........................................................................................................4-5
4.3.1 Program Requirements............................................................................................................4-6
4.3.2 Mandatory Measures..............................................................................................................4-7
4.3.3 Program Goals.........................................................................................................................4-7
4.3.4 2024-2034 Demand-Side Program Measures.........................................................................4-8
4.3.5 Reclaimed Water...................................................................................................................4-10
4.3.6 WUE Budget...........................................................................................................................4-10
4.4 Water Use Efficiency Savings..........................................................................................................4-11
4.5 Climate Change Resiliency ..............................................................................................................4-11
4.5.1 Expected Climate Changes for the City of Auburn ................................................................4-11
4.5.2 Extreme Weather Events and Significant Challenges ...........................................................4-12
4.5.3 Assessment of Actions to Protect System..............................................................................4-13
Chapter 5 Source Water Protection
5.1 Sanitary Control Area........................................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Wellhead Protection Program ..........................................................................................................5-1
5.2.1 Susceptibility Assessment........................................................................................................5-2
5.2.2 Wellhead Protection Area Delineation....................................................................................5-2
5.2.3 State and Local Agencies Notified of CSI Findings...................................................................5-4
5.2.4 Contingency Plan.....................................................................................................................5-4
Chapter 6 Operations and Maintenance Program
6.1 Water System Management and Personnel.....................................................................................6-1
6.1.1 Mission Statement...................................................................................................................6-1
6.1.2 Department Overview..............................................................................................................6-1
6.1.3 Internal and External Factors..................................................................................................6-1
6.1.4 Water Utility Division Organization.........................................................................................6-2
6.1.5 Communication System...........................................................................................................6-5
6.1.6 Operator Certification Program...............................................................................................6-6
6.1.7 Education and Training Program.............................................................................................6-6
6.2 Operations and Preventive Maintenance.........................................................................................6-6
6.2.1 Inspections, Preventive Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacement.........................................6-7
6.2.2 Reservoir Maintenance............................................................................................................6-9
Page 106 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page v
6.2.3 Pump Station Maintenance...................................................................................................6-10
6.2.4 Treatment Facility Maintenance...........................................................................................3-10
6.2.5 Pressure Reducing Valve Stations..........................................................................................6-10
6.2.6 Utility Locating Service ..........................................................................................................6-10
6.2.7 Fire Hydrant Inspection..........................................................................................................6-11
6.2.8 Dead-end Flushing.................................................................................................................6-11
6.2.9 Valve Exercising .....................................................................................................................6-11
6.2.10 Unidirectional Flushing........................................................................................................6-12
6.2.11 System Loss Program...........................................................................................................6-12
6.2.12 Distribution System Corrosion Inspection ...........................................................................6-13
6.3 Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring....................................................................................6-14
6.4 Emergency Preparedness and Response........................................................................................6-15
6.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment.......................................................................................................6-16
6.4.2 Wellhead Protection Program...............................................................................................6-16
6.4.3 Water Shortage Contingency Plan........................................................................................6-16
6.5 Safety Procedures ...........................................................................................................................6-17
6.6 Cross Connection Control Program ................................................................................................6-18
6.7 Sanitary Survey Findings..................................................................................................................6-19
6.8 Customer Complaint Response Program........................................................................................6-19
6.8.1 Customer Request Response Program..................................................................................6-20
6.9 Recordkeeping and Reporting.........................................................................................................6-20
6.9.1 Cross Connection Control Program.......................................................................................6-21
6.9.2 Water Meter Consumption....................................................................................................6-21
6.9.3 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) ..............................................................6-21
6.9.4 Water Meter Reading............................................................................................................6-22
6.10 Summary of O&M Deficiencies and Recommended Improvements...........................................6-22
6.10.1 Water Facilities Evaluation Study........................................................................................6-22
6.10.2 Recommended Improvements.............................................................................................6-23
Chapter 7 Distribution Facilities Design and Construction
Standards
7.1 Project Review Procedures ...............................................................................................................7-1
7.2 Policies and Requirements for Outside Parties ................................................................................7-2
7.3 Design and Construction Standards..................................................................................................7-2
Page 107 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page vi
7.4 Construction Certification.................................................................................................................7-4
Chapter 8 Capital Improvements Program
8.1 Prioritization......................................................................................................................................8-1
8.1.1 Project Identification................................................................................................................8-1
8.1.2 Prioritization Factors................................................................................................................8-2
8.1.3 Estimated Costs .......................................................................................................................8-2
8.2 Capital Improvement Program Summary and Schedule..................................................................8-4
8.2.1 Completed Projects..................................................................................................................8-4
8.2.2 Active Projects..........................................................................................................................8-5
8.2.3 Capital Improvement Projects.................................................................................................8-8
8.3 CIP Summary and Schedule.............................................................................................................8-19
Chapter 9 Financial Program
9.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................9-1
9.2 Past Financial Performance...............................................................................................................9-1
9.2.1 Comparative Financial Statements .........................................................................................9-1
9.3 Financial Plan.....................................................................................................................................9-5
9.3.1 Capital Funding Plan................................................................................................................9-6
9.4 Available Funding Assistance and Financing Resources...................................................................9-7
9.4.1 City Resources..........................................................................................................................9-7
9.4.2 Outside Resources....................................................................................................................9-9
9.4.3 Capital Financing Strategy.....................................................................................................9-10
9.5 Financial Forecast............................................................................................................................9-10
9.5.1 Current Financial Structure....................................................................................................9-11
9.6 Current and Projected Rates...........................................................................................................9-15
9.6.1 Current Rates.........................................................................................................................9-15
9.6.2 Projected Rates......................................................................................................................9-16
9.6.3 Conservation Based Rates.....................................................................................................9-17
9.7 Affordability.....................................................................................................................................9-17
9.8 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9-18
List of Figures
ES-1 RWSA Vicinity Map......................................................................................................................ES-2
ES-2 Existing Facilities..........................................................................................................................ES-3
Page 108 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page vii
ES-3 Hydraulic Profile ..........................................................................................................................ES-4
ES-4 Wellhead Protection Area Map.................................................................................................ES-12
1-1 RWSA Vicinity Map........................................................................................................................1-2
1-2 Water Utility – Organizational Chart.............................................................................................1-3
1-3 Existing Facilities............................................................................................................................1-6
1-4 Adjacent Water Systems.............................................................................................................1-17
1-5 Existing Land Use.........................................................................................................................1-19
2-1 Comparison of Number of Connections to Annual Water Consumption per Customer
Classification in 2022.....................................................................................................................2-5
2-2 Historical Annual Consumption of the Top 20 Largest Water Users in Million Gallons (MG).....2-9
2-3 Historical Water Production with Peaking Factor ......................................................................2-12
2-4 Temperature Effects on Water Usage in 2022...........................................................................2-13
2-5 Comprehensive Future Land Use and Zoning Map....................................................................2-20
2-6 Single Family Population Projections by Service Area................................................................2-25
2-7 Multi-Family Population Projections by Service Area ................................................................2-26
2-8 Employment Projections by Service Area...................................................................................2-27
2-9 Map of Projected Areas with Greatest Population Growth.......................................................2-28
2-10 Projected Retail Plus Firm Wholesale ADD and MDD.................................................................2-39
3-1 Map of Water System Assets and Pressure Zones.......................................................................3-2
3-2 Hydraulic Profile............................................................................................................................3-3
3-3 Hydraulic Profile - Detail A ............................................................................................................3-4
3-4 Hydraulic Profile - Detail B ............................................................................................................3-5
3-5 Water Main Leak and Break Repair Locations from 2014-2024................................................3-13
3-6 Low Pressure, Odor, and Discolored Water Complaints from 2014-2024 ................................3-14
3-7 Illustration of Reservoir Storage Components ...........................................................................3-44
3-8 2024 PHD Scenario......................................................................................................................3-50
3-9 2034 PHD Scenario – Pressures and Velocities ..........................................................................3-51
3-10 2044 Peak Hour Scenario – Pressures and Velocities.................................................................3-52
3-11 MDD+FF Deficiency Locations for 2024, 2034 and 2044 Scenarios...........................................3-54
3-12 Capital Improvement Projects Addressing Fire Flow Deficiencies.............................................3-55
5-1 Wellhead Protection Area Map.....................................................................................................5-3
6-1 Auburn Water Utility Organizational Chart...................................................................................6-4
Page 109 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page viii
List of Tables
ES-1 ADD, MDD, and ERUs Summarized by Service Area with Wholesale Included..........................ES-6
ES-2 Summary of Pump Station Total Capacity Results......................................................................ES-8
ES-3 Summary Storage Capacity Analysis............................................................................................ES-8
ES-4 Source Susceptibility Assessment Ratings ................................................................................ES-11
ES-5 Water System Capital Improvement Program Budget 2024-2044 ..........................................ES-14
1-1 Water System Ownership Management.......................................................................................1-3
1-2 Water Facilities History .................................................................................................................1-8
1-3 Emergency Interties....................................................................................................................1-21
2-1 Historical Population.....................................................................................................................2-2
2-2 Historical Number of Connections per Customer Classification..................................................2-3
2-3 Historical Consumption in Million Gallons (MG) by Customer Classification..............................2-4
2-4 Historical Annual Demand per ERU (gpd per ERU).......................................................................2-6
2-5 Historical Demand as Equivalent ERUs per Customer Classification ...........................................2-7
2-6 Historical Annual Consumption of the Top 20 Largest Water Users in Million Gallons (MG).....2-8
2-7 Historical Annual Water Supply by Source in Million Gallons (MG)...........................................2-10
2-8 2022 Monthly Water Production by Source (MG) .....................................................................2-10
2-9 Historical Annual ADD, MDD, Peak Day, and Peaking Factor.....................................................2-11
2-10 Historical Peak Hour Demand.....................................................................................................2-12
2-11 Historical Distribution System Leakage.......................................................................................2-14
2-12 Summary of Source Water Pumping or Production Capacity Compared to 2022 Maximum Daily
Production...................................................................................................................................2-16
2-13 Updated Zoning Districts and Fire Flow Requirements..............................................................2-21
2-14 Growth Rates by Customer Class and Service Area....................................................................2-23
2-15 Population and Employment Projections Calculated by Service Area.......................................2-23
2-16 Connection Projections by Customer Classification and Service Area.......................................2-29
2-17 Proposed Planning Values for Demand Projections...................................................................2-32
2-18 Large User Demand Projections..................................................................................................2-32
2-19 ERU Projections by Customer Class and Service Area................................................................2-33
2-20 ADD Projections...........................................................................................................................2-34
2-21 MDD Projections .........................................................................................................................2-35
2-22 Wholesale Demand Projections..................................................................................................2-38
2-23 ADD, MDD, and ERUs Summarized by Service Area with Wholesale Included .........................2-39
Page 110 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page ix
3-1 Transmission and Distribution System Piping Inventory by Pipe Diameter.................................3-6
3-2 Transmission and Distribution System Piping Inventory by Material and Installation Decade...3-7
3-3 Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Inventory.....................................................................................3-8
3-4 Low Pressure, Odor, and Discolored Water Complaints from 2014-2024 ................................3-15
3-5 Source of Supply Well Pump Inventory ......................................................................................3-15
3-6 Water Treatment Facility Inventory............................................................................................3-18
3-7 Inventory of Storage Reservoirs..................................................................................................3-21
3-8 Pump Station and Booster Pump Station Inventory...................................................................3-24
3-9 Back Up Power Inventory............................................................................................................3-25
3-10 Summary of 2022 Sanitary Survey Findings................................................................................3-25
3-11 Summary of Operator Certifications...........................................................................................3-27
3-12 EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards Results from 2015 through 2022................................3-28
3-13 Total Chlorine Residuals Results from 2015 through 2022........................................................3-30
3-14 Summary of Disinfection By-Product Rule Monitoring Results from 2015 through 2022........3-30
3-15 Summary of Lead and Copper Sampling Results from 2015 through 2022...............................3-31
3-16 PFAS State Action Levels and Monitoring Data..........................................................................3-32
3-17 System Capacity Analysis Criteria ...............................................................................................3-32
3-18 Summary of Existing Water Rights..............................................................................................3-34
3-19 Supply Analysis with Largest Source Out of Service...................................................................3-35
3-20 Buildings in Auburn with High Fire Flow Requirements.............................................................3-36
3-21 Pumps Station Capacity for Valley Service Area Open Pressure Zones .....................................3-37
3-22 Pump Station Capacity for Lea Hill Service Area Open Pressure Zones.....................................3-38
3-23 Pump Station Capacity for Lakeland Service Area Open Pressure Zones..................................3-39
3-24 Pump Station Capacity for Academy Service Area Open Pressure Zones..................................3-39
3-25 BPS Capacity for Lakeland Service Area Closed Pressure Zones................................................3-40
3-26 BPS Capacity for Academy Service Area Closed Pressure Zone.................................................3-41
3-27 BPS Capacity for Lea Hill Service Area Closed Pressure Zone ....................................................3-41
3-28 BPS Capacity for Game Farm Park Closed Pressure Zone..........................................................3-42
3-29 System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2024 Scenario................................................................3-44
3-30 System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2034 Scenario................................................................3-45
3-31 System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2044 Scenario................................................................3-45
3-32 Final C-Factors for Piping Materials............................................................................................3-48
3-33 Prioritized Pipeline Improvements to Address Fire Flow Deficiencies.......................................3-56
Page 111 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page x
3-34 System Capacity Analysis in ERU Basis........................................................................................3-57
3-35 Summary of System Deficiencies................................................................................................3-59
4-1 WUE Rule Requirements...............................................................................................................4-1
4-2 Source Meter Details.....................................................................................................................4-3
4-3 Annual Average Day Demand (gpd) per Capita............................................................................4-7
4-4 Annual WUE Budget....................................................................................................................4-10
4-5 Demand Forecast With and Without Projected WUE Savings...................................................4-11
4-6 Predicted Increase in Demand from Baseline Due to Climate Change......................................4-12
5-1 Source Susceptibility Assessment Ratings Issued by DOH ...........................................................5-2
5-2 State and Local Agencies Notified of CSI Findings........................................................................5-4
6-1 Water Operations and Distribution Staff and Certifications........................................................6-5
6-2 Water Operations - Facility Inspection Schedule..........................................................................6-8
6-3 Safety Policies and Procedures...................................................................................................6-17
6-4 Recommended Inspections.........................................................................................................6-22
6-5 O&M Improvement Projects.......................................................................................................6-23
7 1 Water Main Design and Construction Standards.........................................................................7-3
8-1 Water Pipeline Construction Costs per Linear Foot.....................................................................8-4
8-2 Reservoir Tank Construction Costs per Gallon .............................................................................8-4
8-3 Prioritized Water Supply Improvement Projects........................................................................8-13
8-4 Storage Improvements Projects..................................................................................................8-15
8-5 Pump Station Improvement Projects..........................................................................................8-16
8-6 Water Repair & Replacements Cost Estimate............................................................................8-17
8-7 Distribution System Improvements Projects..............................................................................8-18
8-8 General Water System Projects..................................................................................................8-18
8-9 Total CIP Cost by Project Category from 2024 through 2044....................................................8-19
8-10 Capital Improvements Program Costs and Phasing....................................................................8-20
9-1 Summary of Historical Fund Resources and Uses Arising From Cash Transactions ....................9-2
9-2 Summary of Historical Comparative Statements of Net Position................................................9-4
9-3 10-Year and 20-Year CIPs..............................................................................................................9-6
9-4 10-Year CIP (Escalated $)...............................................................................................................9-7
9-5 10-Year and 20-Year Capital Financing Strategy.........................................................................9-10
9-6 10-Year Financial Forecast..........................................................................................................9-14
9-7 Ending Cash Balance Summary...................................................................................................9-15
Page 112 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Table of Contents Page xi
9-8 Existing Schedule of Rates...........................................................................................................9-16
9-9 Proposed Schedule of Rates........................................................................................................9-17
9-10 Community Affordability Test.....................................................................................................9-18
Appendices
Appendix A Water System Policies and Criteria
Appendix B SEPA Checklist
Appendix C Agency Comment Letters and Responses
Appendix D Public Meeting Documentation
Appendix E Ordinances and Approvals
Appendix F Local Government Consistency Review
Appendix G Water Service Area, Interlocal & Wholesale Water Agreements
Appendix H Water Facilities Inventory Form
Appendix I Water Rights Self-Assessment Form
Appendix J Water Rights Certifications
Appendix K Hydraulic Model Calibration Documentation
Appendix L Reclaimed Water Checklist
Appendix M Water Use Efficiency Reports
Appendix N Consumer Confidence Reports
Appendix O Water Quality Monitoring Plan
Appendix P Design and Construction Standards
Appendix Q Cross Connection Control Program
Appendix R Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Appendix S Conceptual Mitigation Plan for Water Right Application G1-28404
Appendix T Wellhead Protection Plan
Appendix U Natural Hazard Vulnerability Summary
Appendix V Worksheet 4-1 ERU Capacity Summary
Appendix W CIP Cost Information
Page 113 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Acronyms & Abbreviations Page xi
Acronyms & Abbreviations
A
AACE American Association of Cost Estimators
AC Asbestos-Cement
ACC Auburn City Code
ac-ft/year Acre-Foot Per Year
ADD Average Day Demand
AFY Acre Feet Per Year
Algona City of Algona
AMC Auburn Municipal Code
AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure
APWA American Public Works Association
ASR Aquifer Storage and Recovery
AWC Association of Washington Cities
AWWA American Water Works Association
B
BCA Bilaterial Compliance Agreement
Bonney Lake City of Bonney Lake
BPS Booster Pump Station
C
Cascade Cascade Water Alliance
ccf Centum Cubic Feet
CCI Construction Cost Index
CCPP Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Potential
CCR Consumer Confidence Report
CCT Corrosion Control Treatment
CCTF Corrosion Control Treatment Facility
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CDPW Community Development & Public Works
CEMP Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
CERB Community Economic Revitalization Board
CEU Continuing Education Units
cfs Cubic Feet Per Second
cfm Cubic Feet Per Minute
CFP Capital Facilities Plan
City City of Auburn
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CMP Coliform Monitoring Plan
CPR Conservation Planning Requirements
CSCSL Confirmed and Suspected Contaminate Sites
CWD Covington Water District
Page 114 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Acronyms & Abbreviations Page xii
CWSP Coordinated Water System Plan
D
D Distribution Improvements
DBPR Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
DBP Disinfection Byproducts
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DI Ductile Iron
DNS Determination of Non-Significance
DOE Department of Ecology
DOH Washington State Department of Health
DSL Distribution System Leakage
DWSRF Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
E
EDCS Engineering Design and Construction Standards
ENR Engineering News Record
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPS Extended Period Simulation
ERU Equivalent Residential Unit
EWE Energy and Water Efficiency
F
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FF Fire Flow
ft/s or fps Feet Per Second
G
G General Improvements
gal/ERU Gallons Per Equivalent Residential Unit
GIS Geographic Information System
gpd Gallons Per Day
gpm Gallons Per Minute
GMA Growth Management Act
G.O.General Obligation
GWMP Ground Water Management Plan
GWR Groundwater Rule
GWUI Groundwater Under the Influence of Surface Water
H
HAA5 Haloacetic Acids
HGL Hydraulic Grade Line
HPC Heterotrophic Plate Count
HP Horsepower
HWD Highline Water District
Page 115 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Acronyms & Abbreviations Page xiii
I
IA2 Interlocal Agreement 2
IA3 Interlocal Agreement 3
ICS Incident Command System
IDSE Initial Distribution System Evaluation
IGEA Investment Grade Efficiency Audit
L
LCRMR Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions
LFC Local Facilities Charge
LIDs Local Improvement Projects
LMWD Lake Meridian Water District
LRAAs Locational Running Annual Averages
LR Larson Ratio
LSI Langelier
LWSD Lakehaven Water and Sewer District
M
MAG Electromagnetic
Manual Public Works Emergency Response Manual
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLGs Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
M/DBP Microbial/Disinfection By-Product
MDD Maximum Day Demand
MDRLs Maximum Disinfectant Residual Level
MFR Multifamily Residential
MG Million Gallon
mgd Million Gallons Per Day
MG/year Million Gallons Per Year
MIT Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
M&O Maintenance and Operations
MRSC Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
N
NIMS National Incident Management System
NOM Natural Organic Matter
O
O&M Operations & Maintenance
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
P
PAA Potential Annexation Areas
PGG Pacific Groundwater Group
PHD Peak Hour Demand
PHG Public Health Goal
Page 116 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Acronyms & Abbreviations Page xiv
PIC Forest Villa Manor
PI Parcel Insight
Plan Comprehensive Water Plan
PLC Programmable Logic Controller
PNR Public Notification Rule
PR Pressure Reducing
Project ID Identification Number
PRV Pressure Reducing Valve
psi Pounds Per Square Inch
PSRC Puget Sound Regional Council
PS Pump Stations
PUD Planned Unit Development
PW Public Works
PWB Public Works Board
Q
Qaw White River Alluvium
Qd Vashon Recessional Deltaic Deposits
Qom Osceola Mudflow
Qua Undifferentiated Alluvium
Qu Undifferentiated Glacial and Interglacial Deposits
R
R Storage Improvement
R5 Residential 5 Du/Acre
RAA Running Annual Average
RWSA Retail Water Service Area
RWSS Regional Water Supply System
S
S Supply Improvement
SCA Sanitary Control Area
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SDC Standard Development Charge
SDS Safety Data Sheets
SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act
SEATAC Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
SEPA State Environmental Policy Act
SFR Single-Family Residential/Duplex
SMP Standard Monitoring Program
SOC Synthetic Organic Chemical
SOS Save Our Streets
SSS System-Specific Study
SWTR Surface Water Treatment Rule
Page 117 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Acronyms & Abbreviations Page xv
T
Tacoma City of Tacoma
TAZ Transportation Analysis Zone
TCR Total Coliform Rule
TPU Tacoma Public Utility
TTHM Total Trihalomethanes
U
UCM Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring
UDF Unidirectional Flushing
ULID Utility Local Improvement District
USGS United States Geological Survey
USEPA United States Environmental Protectional Agency
UTC Utilities And Transportation Commission
V
VA Vulnerability Assessment
VFD Variable Frequency Drive
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
W
WAC Washington Administrative Code
WCIA Washington Cities Insurance Authority
WD#111 King County Water District #111
WETRC Washington Environmental Training Resource Center
WFI Water Facilities Inventory
WHP Wellhead Protection
WHPA Wellhead Protection Areas
WHPP Wellhead Protection Plan
WISHA Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act
WSP Water System Plan
WSSIP Water System Security Improvement Plan
WUE Water Use Efficiency
Page 118 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-1
Executive Summary
Introduction
This Water System Plan (WSP) has been developed in accordance with Chapter 426-290 of the
Washington Administrative Code (WAC), as presented in the Washington State Department of Health
(DOH) regulations for Group A Public Water Systems. This WSP supersedes the City of Auburn’s (City)
2015 WSP, approved by DOH on May 11, 2016, and the 2021 Limited WSP Update approved by DOH on
December 16, 2021. The City’s water system identification number is 03350V.
Th purpose of this WSP is to develop a long-term planning strategy for the City’s Retail Water Service Area
(RWSA). Updated every ten years per DOH, the WSP evaluates the existing system and its ability to meet
the anticipated requirements for water source, treatment, transmission, storage, and distribution over a
20-year planning period. Historical data through the year 2022 were used for the analyses throughout the
WSP. The ten-year planning period is 2024-2034. The long-term planning period is 2034-2044. Water
system improvement projects have been developed to meet the changing demands of regulatory
impacts, population growth, and necessary infrastructure repair and replacement. The WSP also identifies
planning-level costs of the improvement projects and provides a financial plan for funding the projects.
ES.1 Description of Water System
The City is located in both King County and Pierce County in the Puget Sound Region of Washington.
Figure ES-1 shows the City’s RWSA which encompasses approximately 30 square miles. Several water
purveyors adjoin the City’s RWSA, including the cities of Algona, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Kent, Pacific,
and Sumner. Also included are the Covington Water District (CWD), Lakehaven Water and Sewer District
(LWSD), Lake Meridian Water District (LMWD) (formerly known as King County Water District #111),
Highline Water District (HWD), and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT). The City also provides internal
staffing for the management, operations, and maintenance of the Braunwood Estates satellite system.
The City’s water system consists of groundwater wells, springs, and interties with adjacent purveyors as
water sources, chlorination and corrosion control treatment facilities, pump stations, pressure reducing
valve stations, steel and concrete enclosed reservoirs for storage, and transmission and distribution
pipelines to provide potable water to customers. The RWSA is further divided into four service areas
(Valley, Lea Hill, Lakeland, and Academy) that include a total of 28 pressure zones. The City's four service
areas and the location of key components of the water system are shown in Figure ES-2.
Interties provide a tool that water utilities use to move water between systems to meet supply needs, to
increase reliability and respond to emergencies. The City maintains wholesale supply interties with three
water systems: City of Tacoma (Tacoma), Algona, and LMWD. The City also has a supply contract with the
MIT and the Indian Health Service, dating from 1972, for services along a pipeline at SE 368th PL
extending from the City limits into the reservation. The City has emergency interties with seven water
systems, Algona, Bonney Lake, Kent, Pacific, LWSD, LMWD and Tacoma.
A hydraulic profile of the City’s water system is presented in Figure ES-3, showing all service areas,
pressure zones, supplies, interties, reservoirs, and pump stations.
Page 119 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-2
Figure ES-1 | RWSA Vicinity Map
Page 120 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-3
Figure ES-2 | Existing Facilities
Page 121 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-4
Figure ES-3 | Hydraulic Profile
Page 122 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-5
ES.2 Basic Planning Data
Water Service Connections and Usage
The City’s current and future water demand requirements were projected for each customer class (single-
family residential/duplex, multifamily residential, commercial, manufacturing/industrial, schools, city
accounts, irrigation, and wholesale). The water consumption, or demand, of each customer classification
can be expressed in terms of equivalent residential units (ERUs) for forecasting and planning purposes.
One ERU is defined as the average quantity of water used by one average, full-time, single-family
residence per day. The quantity of water used by other customer classes, or by the entire system, can be
expressed in terms of equivalent ERUs. The historical average and maximum water demands are
important parameters when performing system and supply analyses. The Average Day Demand (ADD) is
typically used in operational evaluations. The Maximum Day Demand (MDD) represents the single largest
day water demand during the year and is a key parameter for infrastructure sizing.
The City provided water to approximately 63,450 customers through 15,046 connections as of the end of
2022. Between 2015 and 2022 the ADD ranged from 6.32 million gallons per day (mgd) on the low end in
2020 to 7.67 mgd on the high end in 2016. The MDD has ranged from 9.76 mgd in 2015 to 13.62 mgd in
2020. The total number of connections increased by approximately three percent between 2015 and
2022. The City has two active wholesale water agreements, one with the City of Algona and the other
with LMWD that is interruptible.
Water Supply and Production
The City has a diverse water supply consisting of two springs, ten wells and an intertie with the City of
Tacoma. Wells 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 6, and 7 are in the lower alluvial aquifer in the Auburn Valley, referred to as
the Valley Wellfield. Wells 3A, 3B and 7 are currently offline due to high manganese concentrations. Wells
5, 5A, and 5B are in the Upland Wellfield within the Lakeland Service Area. Once Well 5B came online, the
City discovered that the aquifer was not recovering and Well 5B has been offline since 2006. The safe
yield of Wells 5 and 5A have been decreased from their design capacity due to a drop in the aquifer’s
capacity. The City has sufficient water rights to meet current demands and 10-year demand projections,
as shown in the Water Rights Self-Assessment Form provided in Appendix I. Under 2044 high demand
MDD conditions, the City does not have sufficient instantaneous water rights (Qi) to meet all demands for
retail, firm wholesale and interruptible wholesale customers. Should this occur, the City could purchase
water from Tacoma through wholesale interties to meet demands. Additionally, it is worth noting that
this evaluation assumes 2.5 mgd of demand from LMWD who has an interruptible wholesale agreement
with the City and would only be supplied as water is available to be provided, so this condition is expected
to be unlikely. Additional information on the City meeting future demands is mentioned in the Capacity
Analysis Section under ES.3 (System Analysis and Asset Management).
West Hill Springs draws from an unnamed confined aquifer. The spring source water flows by gravity into
the Valley Service Area, although flows vary depending on aquifer conditions. Coal Creek Springs is the
largest active water supply for the City and draws from a confined aquifer, however its flow varies
depending on aquifer conditions. The City also owns two additional wells: the Algona Well 1, which is not
operational and the Braunwood Well which serves the Braunwood satellite system.
Page 123 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-6
Future Population and Demand Projections
Demographic projections are based on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) 2044 forecasts for
population and employment within the City’s RWSA. Total population is projected to increase by 1.5
percent annually from 2021 to 2044 and total employment is projected to increase by 1.9 percent
annually over the same period. Overall, the City is planning for an additional 24,987 residents and 20,525
employed people by 2044 within the RWSA. The Valley Service Area is projected to represent 64 percent
of the system’s population and 93 percent of the system’s employment in 2044.
The projected ADD and MDD, along with wholesale demands, are summarized in Table ES-1. To be
conservative, an ERU planning value higher than the average was used for demand forecasting. The 75th
percentile of the historical ADD per ERU between 2015 and 2022 was used to select the planning ERU
value of 182 gpd. The peak demands can be expressed as an MDD/ADD peaking factor, which is the
relative magnitude of MDD compared to ADD. The City’s MDD/ADD peaking factor was 1.96. Distribution
system leakage and authorized unbilled consumption are accounted for in the projections.
Table ES-1 | ADD, MDD, and ERUs Summarized by Service Area with Wholesale Included
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill
Average Day Demand (mgd)1.00 1.04 1.09
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)1.97 2.05 2.13
Equivalent Residential Units 5,511 5,734 5,970
Valley
Average Day Demand (mgd)5.11 5.84 6.73
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)10.03 11.46 13.21
Equivalent Residential Units 28,055 32,061 36,948
Lakeland
Average Day Demand (mgd)0.51 0.59 0.67
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)1.01 1.15 1.32
Equivalent Residential Units 2,817 3,220 3,687
Academy
Average Day Demand (mgd)0.43 0.48 0.54
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)0.85 0.95 1.05
Equivalent Residential Units 2,377 2,644 2,948
Total Retail Customers
Average Day Demand (mgd)7.06 7.95 9.03
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)13.86 15.61 17.72
Equivalent Residential Units 38,760 43,659 49,553
Retail with Firm Wholesale (Algona and MIT)
Average Day Demand (mgd)9.93 10.84 11.93
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)16.05 17.84 19.99
Retail with Firm & Interruptible Wholesale (Algona, MIT, and LMWD)
Average Day Demand (mgd)12.43 13.34 14.43
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)18.55 20.34 22.49
Page 124 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-7
ES.3 System Analysis and Asset Management
Asset Management
The City actively assesses and plans for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of its assets while
preventive maintenance practices keep assets in good condition, thereby extending their useful life. For
asset management, the City utilizes CarteGraph in conjunction with the geographic information system
(GIS). GIS is updated using as-builts as projects are completed and CarteGraph is auto-populated from this
information. CarteGraph is used to track and schedule maintenance activities and track material and labor
costs and project timelines.
An inventory of the City’s existing water system assets including distribution system components,
treatment, reservoirs, supply facilities, pump stations, backup power, and the telemetry system is
presented in Chapter 3.
Water Quality
The DOH requires that source water be monitored for primary and secondary contaminants. Primary
contaminant levels are not to be exceeded for health reasons and secondary contaminants should not be
exceeded for aesthetic reasons. Distribution system water quality testing requirements include
monitoring of many contaminants for which the DOH determines maximum contaminant levels.
Historically, the City has relied on groundwater supplies from wells and springs, which have been
determined are not under the direct influence of surface waters. For these water sources, the City is
required to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Groundwater Rule. The
treatment objectives of the City are to treat source water to contaminant concentrations below the
maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established by the EPA and WAC. All constituents are currently
below their respective MCLs.
The required frequency of monitoring of inorganic chemical and physical parameters varies by source,
however, the City typically monitors these constituents every 12 months. Within the study period, the
maximum detected concentrations of these parameters did not exceed the MCLs published by the EPA.
All active sources are disinfected with chlorine prior to entering the distribution system except for Well 5.
The City has a capital project discussed in Chapter 8 that will include the addition of a chlorination facility
to Well 5. Corrosion control treatment is required on the water produced by Coal Creek Springs, Well 1,
Well 2, Well 6, and Well 7 to limit the corrosion of lead and copper in the system. Since the corrosion
control treatment facilities were constructed, the lead and copper levels in the City’s system have been
well below the action level. There were no water quality violations in the distribution system between
2015 and 2022.
Design Standards
The City’s most recent Engineering Design and Construction Standards are available on the City’s website
and are provided as Appendix P.
The City’s water quality design standards follow the design standards set forth by the EPA and the
Washington DOH.
Page 125 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-8
Capacity Analysis
The City’s water supply (production) capacity compared with demand projections and DOH and City
criteria indicate that the City has the supply facilities necessary to meet demand projections under
current and future projections for all required criteria.
The City’s Water Rights Self-Assessment Form is provided in Appendix I and was used to assess the City’s
water rights and includes supply that is available to the City through firm wholesale interties with
Tacoma. The form includes a comparison of the available water rights to the existing, 10-year and 20-year
demand projections for the “High Demand Scenario” provided in Chapter 2. The calculations presented in
the Water Rights Self-Assessment Form conclude that the City’s existing water rights are anticipated to be
adequate to meet the current and 10-year projections for Qi and Qa. Under 2044 high demand MDD
conditions, the City does not have sufficient Qi water rights to meet all demands for retail, firm
wholesale, and interruptible wholesale customers. Should this occur, the City could purchase water from
Tacoma through wholesale interties to meet demands. It is worth noting that this evaluation assumes 2.5
mgd of demand from LMWD who has an interruptible wholesale agreement with the City and would only
be supplied as water is available to be provided, so this condition is expected to be unlikely.
The City does not currently have the infrastructure necessary to withdraw from all water rights (i.e., Wells
3A, 3B, 5B, and 7 are not currently operational). Additionally, some sources have underlying aquifer or
infrastructure restrictions that limit the capacity of the source (i.e., Well 2, Well 6, and Coal Creek
Springs). Several facility improvement projects are necessary for the City to maximize water production
capacity to meet future demands, and planned supply related capital projects to meet this need are
discussed further in Chapter 8.
Table ES-2 provides an overview of pump station supply analysis results expressed as either having a
capacity surplus or deficit for open and closed zones. Open zones are pressure zones that are fed by
gravity from a reservoir. Pressure zones that do not include a storage facility are analyzed as a closed
zone. A closed zone in the Lea Hill Service Area and the Game Farm Park closed zone have a BPS capacity
deficit identified in all planning scenarios. The City has planned a capital project to resolve the deficiency
at the Intertie Pump Station/Lea Hill BPS. The Game Farm Park Pump Station only provides service to a
recreational area with no residential or commercial property connections supplied by this facility. The City
has reviewed the deficit with the Fire Marshal and the deficiency is not critical to address, therefore no
actions are currently planned to resolve the deficiency at the Game Farm Park Pump Station. As further
development progresses in and around the Game Farm Park Pump Station, modifications will be
considered to address the deficiency.
Table ES-2 | Summary of Pump Station Capacity Results
2024 2034 2044
Valley Open Zone Pump Station Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Lea Hill Open Zone Pump Station Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Lakeland Open Zone Pump Station Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Academy Open Zone Pump Station Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Lakeland Closed Zone BPS Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Academy Closed Zone BPS Capacity Surplus Surplus Surplus
Lea Hill Closed Zone BPS Capacity Deficit Deficit Deficit
Game Farm Park Closed Zone BPS Capacity Deficit Deficit Deficit
Page 126 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-9
The City’s water storage facilities were analyzed to determine if they have sufficient capacity to meet the
existing and future storage requirements. A summary of the results is provided in Table ES-3. New
sources and pump stations allow for reliable and redundant operation of the system as an interconnected
whole, rather than separate Service Areas. As such, excess storage in one service area can be used to
offset a deficit in another area of the system. The results of the storage analysis indicate that there is
sufficient capacity to meet the projected 2024 and 2034 storage requirements, however additional
storage is projected to be necessary in 2044. The City has a planned capital project to add a new reservoir
in the Valley Service Area to address this deficiency.
Table ES-3 | Summary Storage Capacity Analysis
2024 2034 2044
Total Usable
Storage Total Required
Storage
(MG)
Surplus/
(Deficit)
(MG)
Total Required
Storage
(MG)
Surplus/
(Deficit)
(MG)
Total Required
Storage
(MG)
Surplus/
(Deficit)
(MG)
Academy 2.66 1.54 1.12 1.60 1.05 1.68 0.98
Lakeland 1.61 1.25 0.37 1.37 0.25 1.51 0.11
Lea Hill 2.12 2.29 (-0.18)2.34 (-0.23)2.40 (-0.29)
Valley 7.96 7.73 0.24 8.69 (-0.73)10.00 (-2.04)
RWSA 14.35 12.80 1.54 14.00 0.34 15.58 (-1.24)
The City’s existing distribution system was analyzed to determine if they have sufficient capacity to meet
the existing and future demands and fire flow requirements using an updated and calibrated version of
the City’s hydraulic model. A low-pressure analysis was performed in the hydraulic model to confirm that
pressures throughout the system were above 30 psi during under peak hour demand (PHD) conditions for
2024, 2034, and 2044. The results of this analysis indicated that all areas of existing and future system
have pressures meeting this condition and were compliant with requirements.
An individual fire flow analysis was performed for each hydrant node in the hydraulic model to determine
the available fire flow during MDD plus fire flow (FF) conditions, while maintaining a minimum residual
pressure of 20 psi. The results of this analysis indicate that multiple pipeline improvement projects are
necessary to address the distribution system deficiencies.
An analysis of the water system’s overall physical capacity in terms of ERU using DOH Worksheet 4-1 is
provided in Appendix V. The analysis indicates that the existing system has sufficient capacity to serve the
current and projected water demands through 2034 (10-year planning horizon). Under 2024 and 2034
demand conditions, storage is the limiting system component for growth and development. In 2044 (20-
year planning horizon) storage is deficient, which is consistent with the other analysis findings.
ES.4 Water Use Efficiency Program
Source and Service Metering
Each of the City’s sources are metered to measure the amount of water produced. The meters are
calibrated annually. If a meter cannot be calibrated properly, it is replaced with a new one. Propeller
source meters are being replaced with electromagnetic (MAG) meters as part of on-going operation and
maintenance (O&M) improvements.
Page 127 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-10
Service meters are installed on every service line to measure the quantity of water used by a customer
per WAC 246-290-496 and City Code Chapter 13.06.320. In 2015, the City began installing an Automated
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, as a part of the Water Meter and Billing System Improvements
project, which was completed in 2018. With the new AMI system, the City automatically receives meter
reads via radio transmission and can integrate the data into the billing software.
Distribution System Leakage
Distribution System Leakage (DSL) represents the difference between production and documented water
use (retail, wholesale, and authorized unmetered). The City’s historical DSL performance complies with
the DOH requirement that the three-year average DSL be under ten percent to minimize water waste. To
further reduce DSL, the City has ongoing leak detection, meter calibration, and an active repair and
replacement program for water system infrastructure.
Water Use Efficiency Program
The City’s Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program provides for efficient water use and supports stewardship
of the City’s resources. The selected program measures are interrelated and will help the City achieve its
goals to both reduce average water use and peak water use per customer. Per the WUE requirements,
the following measures implemented as part of the 2024-2034 WUE program:
Install production (source) meters.
Install consumption (service) meters.
Perform meter calibration.
Implement a water loss control action plan to control leakage if the three-year rolling average
exceeds ten percent.
Educate customers about water use efficiency practices.
Additionally, the following measures that must be evaluated are:
Rates that encourage water demand efficiency (discussed in Chapter 9).
Reclamation opportunities (discussed in detail in Chapter 4).
The DOH requires that the City estimate the amount of water saved through implementation of the
system’s WUE program over the last six years. Water use per-capita dropped from 112 gpd per capita in
2017 to 105 gpd per capita in 2022. The net water savings over this period equates to approximately 148
million gallons or 29.6 million gallons of savings per year.
The City has chosen to focus on implementing voluntary measures to decrease both the average and peak
water usage. The City’s goals are as follows:
Decrease the planning ERU value (gpd/ERU) one percent annually from the current planning ERU
value of 182 gpd/ERU,
Decrease the planning peaking factor from the current 1.96 to 1.81, or less, and
Maintain three-year average DSL under ten percent.
Page 128 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-11
The City is committed to wastewater reuse and rainwater reclamation, as stated in its official water
system policies summarized in Appendix A. Currently, there are no reclaimed water users in the City.
Climate Change Resiliency
To estimate the impact of climate change on the City’s water demands, results from the Water Supply
Forum’s 2009 Regional Water Supply Outlook (WSF 2009 Outlook) were used. The impacts of climate
change on sources that rely on groundwater are mostly unknown due to the variability between aquifers
and site-specific effects. No changes to demand projections were made for the 20-year planning period to
account for potential climate change due to the uncertain magnitude and timing of local effects.
However, it is recognized that demand has the potential to increase in the future given these changes. In
the event the City experiences such an increase, the City will use a model to compute firm yield from
streamflow data, replacing historic inflows with projected inflows from three climate change scenarios as
described by the WSF 2009 Outlook.
This WSP discusses short and long-term actions the City can take to improve the resiliency of the water
system from the impacts of climate change. The short-term measures can improve resiliency within three
to five years while the long-term measures may require decades to be fully implemented.
ES.5 Source Water Protection
Sanitary Control Areas (SCAs) have been established for each of the City’s water sources per WAC 246-
290-135(2). The standard SCA for wells has a minimum radius of 100 feet from the wellhead. The
standard SCA for spring sources has a minimum radius of 200 feet from the spring head. All City water
sources have SCAs that were established and approved by DOH, and are documented in the susceptibility
forms provided in Appendix T.
The DOH has developed regulations that require Group A water systems using groundwater sources to
develop and implement a Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) in accordance with WAC 246-290-135.
The City maintains its WHPP for 12 groundwater sources. A WHPP was prepared in 2014 for the City’s
2015 WSP; this remains the current WHPP for the City.
Susceptibility Assessment Forms have been completed by the City and submitted to the DOH. The DOH’s
susceptibility assessment rating for each source is summarized in Table ES-4
Table ES-4 | Source Susceptibility Assessment Ratings
Source DOH Issued Susceptibility Rating
Coal Creek Springs High
West Hill Springs High
Well 1 Moderate
Well 2 High
Well 3A Low (Off-line)
Well 3B Low (Off-line)
Well 4 Low
Well 5 Low
Well 5A Low
Well 5B Low (Off-line)
Page 129 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-12
Well 6 High
Well 7 High (Off-line)
The Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) defines the area around a groundwater source that has the
potential to contaminate the source. This area is based on the source’s capture zones, which are the
zones of the source aquifer and ground surface that can contribute water to the source in six months,
one year, five years, or ten years time of travel. The established WHPAs are shown in Figure ES-4.
A summary of potential contaminant sources for the City’s water sources was updated in April 2024 and
is included in Appendix T.
Page 130 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-13
Figure ES-4 | Wellhead Protection Area Map
Page 131 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-14
ES.6 Operations and Maintenance Program
The Auburn Water Utility is operated as a utility enterprise under the direction of the Public Works (PW)
Director. Specific water utility management responsibilities within the PW Department fall under either
the Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services or the Water Division of Maintenance and Operations
Services. The Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services is responsible for comprehensive water
system planning, development of a Capital Improvement Program (CIP), as well as programming the
design, construction, and inspection of projects related to the water system. The Water Division of
Maintenance and Operations Services is responsible for operating and maintaining the water system,
performing daily operation and inspection, water quality monitoring as required by DOH, and line
management of the Water Utility.
The mission statement of the City’s Water Utility is to provide for the efficient, environmentally sound,
and safe management of the existing and future water system within the City’s service area. Operations
staff provide daily O&M of wells, corrosion control treatment facilities, pump stations, and reservoirs.
They also implement the cross connection control program and provide locating services for all City
utilities. Distribution staff maintains the complete distribution system including water mains, valves,
hydrants, pressure reducing stations, and meters.
Primary operation of the water system is maintained via the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
(SCADA) computerized control system. Wonderware software works in association with SCADA to provide
real time graphical display of system data for staff interpretation and control.
The Water Operations staff maintains an active and ongoing program of water quality monitoring and
reporting to ensure a safe, high quality water supply. Two staff members are responsible for water quality
monitoring, sampling, control, and record keeping as outlined in the City’s Water Quality Monitoring Plan
provided in Appendix O.
The City has prepared an electronic Public Works Emergency Response Manual (Manual) as a guide for
management of emergency situations, with the objective of protecting life and property and restoration
of essential services, such as providing clean water, as quickly as possible. The Emergency Response Plan
is updated annually at the first of the year. The master response program for the entire City is
documented in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), which provides guidance to
the Emergency Management Organization for mitigation, preparedness, responsibilities, recovery
operations, training, and community education activities. The CEMP also describes the functions of local
government and incorporation of essential non-governmental organizations into the Emergency
Management Organization.
The City has a comprehensive safety program that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) regulations. The safety policies and
procedures for the water department are documented in this WSP and cover the full range of hazards
staff may experience while operating the water system.
The City’s Cross Connection Control Program (provided in Appendix Q) protects the public water system
from contamination via cross connection hazards. It describes minimum operating policies, provides
guidelines for installation, testing, and maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies,
permitting process, inspection, and survey requirements for existing and new water service connections.
The findings of the 2022 Sanitary Survey are also summarized in this WSP, along with the actions
completed or in progress to address the deficiencies. The next DOH sanitary survey is scheduled for 2027.
Page 132 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-15
ES.7 Distribution Facilities Design and Construction
Standards
The Engineering Design and Construction Standards (EDCS) encompass policies and procedures governing
project review and approval. To ensure the highest level of water system reliability, integration of the
EDCS into the broader City infrastructure is essential. The integration of the EDCS in this WSP empowers
the City to employ an alternative review process for distribution main projects, through the submittal
exception process, which permits the City to approve project reports and construction documents
without written approval from the DOH.
The City’s Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services reviews plans, including calculations, reports,
and AutoCAD files, to verify conformity with development requirements, City standards, City policies, as
well as other federal, state, and local requirements. Compliance with Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) "Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction," and
relevant City, State, and Federal regulations is also evaluated during the review process.
ES.8 Capital Improvement Program
The CIP was developed to identify system improvements needed to meet customer demands throughout
the 20-year planning horizon. The capital projects identified are categorized as water supply (S), storage
(R), pump stations (PS), distribution (D), and general improvements (G). Planning-level cost estimates
were developed for each of the recommended projects for budgeting purposes.
The capital projects for the facilities improvements were prioritized based on existing capacity
deficiencies, safety concerns, maintenance or capacity requirements, and regulatory requirements. A
summary of the total planned CIP cost is provided in Table ES-5. All costs are presented as total project
costs in March 2024 dollars. For future budgeting purposes, the latest Engineering News Record (ENR)
Construction Cost Index (CCI) can be used to project current estimates to the year of implementation.
The cost estimates for the Auburn area used the ENR Seattle CCI. The March 2024 CCI is 15,477. Overall,
the City anticipates total projects costs of $214M over the next 20 years, with more than 50 percent of
the cost being for distribution system improvements.
Table ES-5 | Water System Capital Improvement Program Budget 2024-2044
Capital Improvement Category Total for 20-Year Period From 2024-2044
(2024 USD)
Distribution $121,858,681
Supply $60,416,013
Storage $21,579,621
Pump Station $9,230,000
General $1,750,000
TOTAL $214,834,315
ES.9 Financial Program
Chapter 9 was prepared by FCS GROUP to provide a financial program that allows the City to remain
financially viable during the 20-year planning horizon. This viability analysis considers the financial
Page 133 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Executive Summary Page ES-16
condition of the utility of the past six-year period (2017-2022), current and identified future financial and
policy obligations, O&M needs, and the financial impacts of the capital projects identified in Chapter 8. A
review of the water utility’s current rate structure with respect to rate adequacy and customer
affordability is also included.
The City’s water charges for services increased from $14.8M in 2017 to $16.5M in 2022, averaging an
annual increase of approximately 2.2 percent per year. Operating expenditures increased by $1.7M
across the six years with an average annual increase of 2.8 percent. Despite total operating expenses
outpacing growth in operating revenues, operating income has been positive in all years observed.
The financial forecast indicates that at existing rate levels the utility will become deficient in 2025 as
growth in expenses outpaces growth in revenues and the utility takes on additional debt obligations to
fund capital infrastructure investments. The City has adopted a 7.50 percent increase for 2025 to resolve
the remaining projected deficiency. Rates will need to potentially increase by 9.50 percent annually from
2026 through 2030, before decreasing to 3.00 percent annually through 2033. A detailed rate study is
planned for completion in 2025. It is recommended that the City regularly review and update the key
underlying assumptions that compose the multi-year financial plan to confirm that adequate revenues
are collected to meet the City’s total financial obligations.
Page 134 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description of the Water
System
1.1 Objective
This Water System Plan (Plan) for the City of Auburn (City) has been prepared to serve as a guide for
planning and designing future water system infrastructure and to assist the City in the efficient use of its
water resources. The Plan identifies system improvements intended to meet the anticipated growth and
changing needs of the City while maintaining reliable and quality water service to customers.
The Plan is designed to meet state, county, and local requirements. It complies with the requirements of
the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) as set forth in the Washington Administrative Code
(WAC) 246-290-100, Water System Plan. This Plan supersedes the City’s 2015 Water System Plan, approved
by DOH on May 11, 2016, and the 2021 Limited Water System Plan Update approved by DOH on December
16, 2021.
A 10-year approval period is desired for this Plan, and therefore the Plan analyzes the 10-year and 20-year
planning periods. This Plan contains a framework for future funding decisions and capital projects.
However, the timeframes are estimates and do not represent actual commitments by the City, which may
depend on funding, resources availability, and/or other unidentified factors.
1.2 Plan Content
This chapter addresses the following topics:
1.3 Ownership and Management
1.4 System History and Background
1.5 Related Plans and Studies
1.6 Service Areas, Maps, and Land Uses
1.7 System Policies
1.8 Duty to Serve
1.9 Local Government Consistency
1.10 Watershed Consistency
1.3 Ownership and Management
The City owns and operates its water system and serves most of the City as delineated by the Retail Water
Service Area (RWSA). The City also provides firm wholesale water supply to the City of Algona (Algona), and
interruptible wholesale water supply to Lake Meridian Water District (LMWD) (formally known as King
County Water District #111). The City RWSA boundary is further described in Section 1.4 and Figure 1-1
shows the City RWSA with wholesale customers.
Page 135 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-2
Figure 1-1 | RWSA Vicinity Map
Page 136 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-3
The City provides internal staffing for the management, operations, and maintenance of the water system
and the Braunwood Estates satellite system. The DOH’s data on these water systems, managed by the City,
is presented in Table 1-1. The water management structure is presented in Figure 1-2 and further
elaborated in Chapter 6.
Chapter 3 provides details on the existing water facilities, while Appendix H includes a copy of the current
Water Facility Inventory (WFI) form.
Table 1-1 | Water System Ownership Management
Information Type Description
System Names City of Auburn
Braunwood Estates (Satellite System)
System Type Group A - Community Public Water System
County King County and Pierce County
City of Auburn System ID Number 03350V
Braunwood Estates System ID Number
(Satellite System) 03336E
Address 25 W Main St
Auburn, WA 98001
Primary Contact Josh Flanders, Water Division Manager
Owner Contact (253) 876-1998
Figure 1-2 | Water Utility – Organizational Chart
Mayor
Public Works Director
Utility Engineering
Manager
Water Utility
Engineer
Civil Engineer
-Utilities Utilities
Technician
Maintenance & Operations Services
General Manager
Water Division
Manager
Field Supervisor -
Water Operations
Maintenance
Workers (4)
Maintenance
Specialists (2)
Cross Connection
Specialists (2)
Field Supervisor -
Water Distribution
Maintenace
Workers (12)
SCADA Technician
Page 137 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-4
The City’s water system is publicly owned, under the jurisdiction of the local government. As a result, it is
exempt from regulation by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), which is
responsible for overseeing some private water companies. There are no plans to bring the City’s water
utility service under UTC’s regulatory authority during this planning period.
1.4 System History and Background
1.4.1 Geography
The City is centrally located between Seattle and Tacoma in both King and Pierce Counties, Washington. It
encompasses approximately 30 square miles. Adjacent cities include Pacific, Algona, Bonney Lake, Federal
Way, Kent, Sumner, and Covington.
1.4.1.1 Topography
The City’s RWSA is dominated by a broad valley surrounded by uplifted plateaus. The Green River enters
from the eastern City limit and then runs north cutting through the center of the City. Mill Creek, a tributary
of the Green River, parallels the western corporate limits. The White River flows through the southern part
of the City before turning south to join the Puyallup River. The topography of the service area is a result, in
part, of the glaciation of the region.
Most of the City lies on a two to three-mile wide plain bound by Mill Creek on the west and the Green River
on the east. Ground elevations in the area range between 50 to 100 feet and slope upward generally to the
north. The terrain rises sharply to elevations of 400 to 500 feet on either side of the valley as well as in the
southern portion of the City, south of the White River and between the White and Green Rivers.
The topographic features of the RWSA provide for a necessary divide of the water system into four major
service areas serving the valley and the surrounding plateaus. The following are the major service areas
and associated elevations:
Valley Service Area (service elevation from 39 to 235 feet)
Lea Hill Service Area (service elevation from 129 to 513 feet)
Academy Service Area (service elevation from 171 to 444 feet)
Lakeland Service Area (service elevation from 122 to 578 feet)
Each service area is further subdivided into smaller hydraulic operating areas based on topographic
elevations, called pressure zones. Additional details on the City's major service areas are provided in
Chapter 2.
1.4.1.2 Climate
The RWSA has a West Coast, marine-type climate caused by the influence of air masses coming from the
Pacific Ocean. In late fall and winter, orographic lifting, and cooling cause moist air masses to create clouds
and precipitation throughout the area. The average annual rainfall is approximately 40 inches, generally
occurring between October and March. The average annual snowfall is 8.6 inches. The temperatures
typically range from mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 38 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter,
with an overall average of 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water consumption is notably impacted by climate conditions, as customers adjust their usage based on
weather patterns. In periods of hot and dry weather, consumption rises, driven by activities such as lawn
watering and outdoor water use. Conversely, consumption tends to decrease during wet weather.
Page 138 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-5
1.4.1.3 Geology
The geology of the City is the result of glacial and interglacial processes acting over millions of years. During
the periods when large continental glaciers, not rivers nor lakes, occupied the Puget Sound area, landslides
created deposits and erosion through glacial and interglacial deposits. Generally, the uplands surrounding
the City are composed of glacial and interglacial deposits and the valleys are filled with more recent
deposits overlying older ones.
Five major geologic units lie within the White and Green River Valleys: White River Alluvium (Qaw), Osceola
Mudflow (Qom), Undifferentiated Alluvium (Qua), Vashon Recessional Deltaic Deposits (Qd) and
Undifferentiated Glacial and Interglacial Deposits (Qu). Bedrock is known to lie approximately 1,280 feet
beneath the valley floors.
The Pacific Groundwater Group (PGG) completed an extensive geological and hydrogeological study within
the City's RWSA, known as the Auburn Water Resources Program Study, and the results are documented
in several volumes:
1996 Preliminary Hydrogeologic Characterization
Summary of 1997 Hydrogeologic Investigations
The 1997-1998 Test Well Drilling and Installation Program
The 1999 Hydrogeologic Characterization Report and Appendices
The general groundwater flow system in the City’s vicinity is characterized by recharge within uplands and
discharge to the rivers in the lowland valleys. Precipitation and Lake Tapps are sources of groundwater
recharge. Lake water flows from the lake bottom into the groundwater system. Contrary to recharge in
other upland areas, recharge from Lake Tapps is not totally dependent upon precipitation because water
is routed to the lake from outside the area. The main discharge zone for the City’s area is the Green River
Valley. Some groundwater discharges into the river in the City’s vicinity and further downstream.
1.4.2 Existing System Overview
The City’s water system consists of wells, springs and interties as water sources, chlorination stations and
corrosion control facilities for water treatment, pump stations, pressure reducing stations, steel and
concrete enclosed reservoirs for storage, and transmission and distribution pipelines to provide potable
water to customers. Service is provided to four major service areas (Valley, Lea Hill, Lakeland, and
Academy). Each major service area is further divided into pressure zones as required by local topography.
The City's four major service areas and the location of key elements of the water system are shown in Figure
1-3. A more detailed inventory of assets and system hydraulic profile is presented in Chapter 3.
Page 139 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-6
Figure 1-3| Existing Facilities
Page 140 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-7
1.4.3 History
The earliest record of a potable water system for the City of Auburn traces back to 1884 with the
establishment of the Peasley Canyon supply. Initially serving the City, then called Slaughter, a 4-inch wood-
stave pipe connected Peasley Canyon Reservoir to deliver surface water. The year 1907 marked a pivotal
moment as the City acquired West Hill Springs for $2,000, a source that continues to yield approximately 1
million gallons of water per day (600 gpm) and remains active.
As the City's population grew to a few thousand by 1922, the demand for water prompted the introduction
of groundwater wells alongside the existing West Hill Springs. These wells, strategically drilled in the
downtown area, were complemented by pump stations, with one situated at the present site of City Hall.
Despite their longstanding service, these early wells and pump stations have since been decommissioned.
The evolution of Auburn's water distribution system saw a transition from wooden pipes to the installation
of the first recorded steel water main in 1924 - a 10-inch pipeline connecting West Hill Springs to the valley
floor. The Coal Creek Springs water collection system, which included a 24-inch steel main under the White
River was constructed in 1925, along with the construction of Reservoir 1 (later replaced in 1975), to meet
the escalating water needs of the growing City.
By 1946, the population had increased, prompting construction of the Coal Creek Pump Station, to pump
water from Coal Creek Springs to the distribution system.
In 1960, the City embarked on further enhancements by supplementing its two springs with a well system,
beginning with Well 1 and then Well 2 in 1969.
In 1961, water system facilities were constructed in the Academy Service Area.
Expansion into the Lea Hill Service Area occurred between 1964 and 1965, coinciding with extensive
modifications to the Coal Creek supply system and the implementation of a Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) system.
The early 1980s saw the extension of the water system into Lakeland Service Area.
A key development occurred in 1991 with the acceptance of Braunwood Estates (now called Hidden Valley)
as a satellite water system operating independently outside the City’s distribution network.
The late 1990s marked significant construction under the Interlocal Agreement 2 (IA2) project, a water
supply project between LMWD, Covington Water District (CWD) and the City to provide LMWD and CWD
with wholesale water supply, and as a result expanding the water system. Expansion into Pierce County
and service agreement modifications characterized the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Table 1-2 summarizes key construction and enhancements related to the City's wells, springs, reservoirs,
pump stations, treatment, water pipelines, and system upgrades. Notably, the water pipelines
improvements focus on transmission mains, excluding distribution mains installation and replacements
(due to the extensive list), with exceptions for distribution improvements mandated by environmental
(water quality) regulations. The table provides a documented history of the water system, recognizing
occasional gaps.
Page 141 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-8
Table 1-2 | Water Facilities History
Springs
West Hill Springs
• Before 1907: Established as a potable water supply for the City.
• 1915: Construction of 210,000-gallon concrete reservoir to store water from West
Hill Springs.
• 1924: Installation of the first recorded steel water main (10” pipeline from West Hill
Springs to the valley floor).
• 1960: Ongoing use, with a replacement of collection boxes.
• 1988: Removal of reservoir. West Hill Springs water flows continuously into the
system.
• 2000: Partial fencing of the watershed carried out according to the 2000 Water
Comprehensive Plan.
• 2017: Flow Control Improvements, including installation of an electromagnetic meter
and flow control valve for automatic shutdown.
• Current: The spring has a capacity of 600-gpm, with varying supply based on aquifer
conditions. Equipped with chlorination station.
Coal Creek Springs
• 1925: Construction of Collection system.
• 1925: Installation of 24” wood-stave supply pipeline connecting the Coal Creek
Springs collection system to a booster pump station (present Howard Road site) and
14” transmission main to Reservoir 1, including installation of 24” steel pipe under
the White River
• 1964: Construction of south and middle collectors in the system.
• 1964: Replacement of the 24” wood-stave supply pipeline connecting the Coal Creek
Springs collection system to a booster pump station (present Howard Road site) with
24-inch concrete pipe.
• 1998: Addition of the north collector for enhanced system performance.
• 2023: Coal Creek Springs Transmission Main Replacement underway to install a new
transmission main suspended from a utility/pedestrian bridge over the white river to
replace a portion of the old main crossing the river.
• Current: Flows by gravity to Howard Road Corrosion Control Treatment Facility (CCTF)
and pumped into Reservoir 1, with typical production capacity of 3,000-gpm.
Equipped with chlorination station.
Wells
Well 1
• 1960: Construction of Well 1, within Valley Service Area.
• 1998: Shutdown due to reduced well output and water levels.
• 2010: The well was brought back into service temporarily to meet summer demands.
• 2015: Phase 1 improvements to bring the facility back online. Construction of
transmission main in M St SE, 17th St SE, R St SE & Howard Road SE to convey supplies
from Well 1 to Howard Road CCTF.
• 2016: Phase 2 improvements to bring the facility back online. Improvements included
new well house, pumping system (2,200-gpm), disinfection with sodium hypochlorite,
on-site emergency power, and upgraded electrical and SCADA controls.
• Current: Operational and pumps to Howard Road CCTF, then boosted to Reservoir 1.
Well 2
• 1969: Construction of Well 2 (3,000-gpm capacity), within Valley Service Area.
• 2000: Replacement with a new masonry building, pump (1,600-gpm) and associated
equipment.
• 2014: Installation of Variable-frequency Drive (VFD).
• 2023: Rehabilitation and replacement of well pump and motor.
• Current: Operational with the Fulmer Field CCTF, providing chlorination and
emergency power.
Page 142 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-9
Well 3A
• 1983: Construction of Well 3A (1,650-gpm) with automatic standby generator, pumps
directly into Valley Service Area.
• 1984: Installation of chlorination system.
• Current: Inactive since mid-1990’s (Est. 1995 – 1997) due to elevated manganese
levels.
Well 3B
• 1984: Construction of Well 3B (1,650-gpm) adjacent to Well 3A, with chlorination
system.
• Current: Inactive since mid-1990’s (Est. 1995 – 1997) due to elevated manganese
levels.
Well 4
• 1985: Construction of Well 4 (2,600-gpm), to pump directly into Reservoir 1 and
capable of feeding south end of Valley distribution system through pressure-reducing
station.
• 2016: Emergency Power Improvements project added a diesel-fueled generator and
hypochlorite chlorination equipment.
• 2018: Upgrade of Well soft starter.
• 2023 (ongoing): Well 4 Facility Improvements project underway to replace aging
mechanical equipment and electrical improvements.
• Current: Pumps directly to Reservoir 1 and to south end of Valley Service Area
through PRV’s.
Well 5
• 1983: Construction of Well 5 (1,000-gpm) to serve the Lakeland Hills Development.
• Current: Maximum production capacity of 650-gpm, not chlorinated and pumps
directly into Lakeland Service Area and supplies Reservoirs 5 and 6.
Well 5A
• 1990: Construction of Well 5A (180-gpm) to supplement Well 5.
• Current: Equipped with chlorination facilities and a manual transfer switch. Pumps
directly into Lakeland Service Area and supplies Reservoirs 5 and 6.
Well 5B
• 2005: Construction of Well 5B (600-gpm) with hypochlorite generation and ATEC
media filters, to remove iron and manganese prior to disinfection.
• Current: Removed from service in 2006 due to irrecoverable aquifer.
Well 6
• 1998-2000: Construction of Well 6 (3,500-gpm) within Valley Service Area.
• 2014: Replacement of pump bowl and installation of VFD.
• 2000: Rehabilitation with a new masonry building, well pump (1,600-gpm), and
associated equipment.
• Current: Operational with the Fulmer Field CCTF, providing chlorination and
emergency power.
Well 7 • 1997: Construction of Well 7 (3,500-gpm) within Valley Service Area.
• Current: Inactive as of 2012, due to elevated manganese levels.
Reservoirs
West Hill Springs
Reservoir
• 1915: Construction of 210,000-gallon concrete reservoir to store water from West
Hill Springs.
• Current: Reservoir removal (1988). West Hill Springs water flows continuously into
the system.
Academy Reservoir • 1961: 500,000 gallons steel reservoir, supplied by Academy Pump Station.
• Current: Reservoir removed (1978-1980) when Reservoir 8B was constructed.
Reservoir 1
• Est. 1925: Construction of 3.0 million gallons to store water from Coal Creek Springs.
• 1975: Replacement of uncovered reservoir with covered 5-MG concrete reservoir.
• 2019: Seismic isolation control valve installed on outlet piping.
• Current: Primary storage for Coal Creek Springs and can also be filled with water from
Well 4. Serves as water supply for the Academy Pump Station and Valley Service Area.
Page 143 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-10
Reservoir 2
• 1975: Construction of a 3.6-MG pre-stressed concrete underground reservoir (dual-
purpose facility with tennis court on top) in Lea Hill.
• Current: Supplied with several City sources and Reservoir 1. Serves as water supply
for Valley Service Area. Design for the addition of a seismic isolation control valve in
2024 with construction expected in 2025.
Reservoir 4A
• 1965: Construction of 1.0-MG steel reservoir in Lea Hill.
• 1965: Installation of 12-inch ductile iron pipeline from Porter (8th St NE) Bridge to
Reservoir 4A.
• 1998: Replacement of exterior and interior protective coatings.
• Current: Supplied by Valley Service Area through Lea Hill & Green River Pump
Stations. Serves as water supply for Lea Hill Service Area. Addition of a seismic
isolation control valve underway with construction anticipated in 2024.
Reservoir 4B
• 1983: Construction of 1.5-MG steel reservoir in Lea Hill.
• 1998: Replacement of exterior protective coatings.
• 2002-2003: Replacement of interior protective coatings
• Current: Supplied by Valley Service Area through Lea Hill & Green River Pump
Stations. Serves as water supply for Lea Hill Service Area. Addition of a seismic
isolation control valve underway with construction anticipated in 2024.
Reservoir 5
• 1981: Construction of 1.0-MG steel reservoir for Lakeland Service Area.
• 2015: Painting of the Interior and exterior, installation of seismic isolation control
valve and addition of ladder.
• Current: Supplied with wells 5, 5A and Terrace View Booster Pump Station. Serves as
water supply for Lakeland Service Area.
Reservoir 6
• 2012: Construction of 1.0-MG reservoir in Lakeland Service Area (also provides
storage for City of Algona).
• Current: Supplied with wells 5, 5A and Terrace View Booster Pump Station. Serves as
water supply for Lakeland Service Area and City of Algona.
Reservoir 8A
• 1973: Construction of 1.2-MG steel reservoir in Academy Service Area.
• 2002-2003: Recoating of the reservoir’s exterior and interior.
• Current: Supplied with Reservoir 1 through the Academy Pump Station. Serves as
water supply for Academy Service Area. Addition of a seismic isolation control valve
underway with construction anticipated in 2024.
Reservoir 8B
• 1980: Construction of 1.5-MG steel reservoir in Academy Service Area.
• 2002-2003: Recoating of the reservoir’s exterior and interior.
• Current: Supplied with Reservoir 1 through the Academy Pump Station. Serves as
water supply for Academy Service Area. Addition of a seismic isolation control valve
underway with construction anticipated in 2024.
Pump Stations
Howard Road Site
Pump Station
• 1925: Construction of Howard Road Site Pump Station with 5 hydraulic ram-type
pumps to move water from coal creek springs to Reservoir 1 & distribution system.
• Current: (1962) Operation of ram-type pumps ended.
Coal Creek Springs
Pump Station
• 1946: Construction Coal Creek Springs Pump Station to pump water to Reservoir 1
and distribution system (consisted of pump house and an electric pump).
• 1947-1952 (exact year unknown): Addition of second pump (2,000-gpm).
• 1953: Addition of third pump (3,000-gpm)
• 1964: Replacement of two pumps with new 1,500-gpm and 2,500-gpm pumps.
• 1999: Replacement of Diesel fuel storage tanks for emergency generators with
above-ground, double-walled fuel tanks (easier to inspect for fuel leakage).
• Current: Pump station removed in 2003 to make way for Howard CCTF.
Page 144 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-11
Academy Pump
Station
• 1960: Construction of Academy Pump Station 1, housing Pumps 1 and 2 (300-gpm
and 500-gpm capacity).
• 1961: Installation of 2 miles 10” cast iron transmission main from Academy Pump
station 1 to Academy reservoir.
• 1980: Construction of Academy Pump Station 2, housing Pumps 3 and 4 (750-gpm
capacity each), with emergency power generator.
• 1980: Installation of 2 miles 14” ductile iron transmission main, connecting Academy
Pump Station 2 to Reservoirs 8A & 8B.
• 1999: Replacement of Diesel fuel storage tanks for emergency generators with
above-ground, double-walled fuel tanks (easier to inspect for fuel leakage).
• 2022: Academy Pump Stations 1 and 2 replaced with a single pump station, Academy
Pump Station 3, that consists of 4 vertical turbines, variable speed drive pumps with
firm pumping capacity of 2,100-gpm.
• Current: Pumps water to the Academy Reservoirs (Reservoirs 8A & 8B)
Green River Pump
Station
• 1999: Construction of the Green River Pump Station, equipped with 4 pumps (1,170-
gpm capacity each), as part of the Interlocal Agreement 2 (IA2) to supply water to
CWD & LMWD.
• 2020: Facility improvements for emergency generator and associated electrical
equipment.
• Current: Pumps water to the Lea Hill Reservoirs (Reservoirs 4A & 4B).
Game Farm Park
Pump Station
• 1988: Construction of the Game Farm Wilderness Park Pump station for water supply
and fire protection of the park.
• 1992: Installation of 60-gpm domestic pump.
• 1993: Installation of 1,000-gpm fire pump.
• Current: Pumps water to the Game Farm Wilderness Park from the Coal Creek gravity
supply line.
(Lea Hill)
Intertie/Booster
Pump Station
• 1998-2000: Construction of Intertie Pump Station near Lea Hill Reservoirs, designed
to operate in conjunction with Green River Pump Station to serve IA2 partners (using
4 pumps) and to also serve small area at the top of Lea Hill using a “package type”
booster-pump station.
• Current: Pumps water to small higher elevation service area in Lea Hill. Equipped with
a hypochlorite chlorination system.
Lea Hill Pump Station
• 1965: Construction of Lea Hill Pump station with two 600-gpm and one 800-gpm
pumps, to boost water from Valley Service Area to Lea Hill Service Area.
• 1999: Replacement of Diesel fuel storage tanks for emergency generators with
above-ground, double-walled fuel tanks (easier to inspect for fuel leakage).
• Current: Pumps water to the Lea Hill Service Area.
Lakeland Hills Booster
Pump Station
• 1990: Construction of Lakeland Hills Booster Pump Station, consisting of a three-
pump pressure sustaining package system and two large-capacity fire pumps, to
pump water from Lakeland Hills Reservoir to Lakeland Service Area.
• 2013: Replaced for improved service to boosted Lakeland Service Area, using three
low flow pumps (720-gpm capacity each) and two fire flow pumps (3,125-gpm
capacity each).
• Current: Pumps water to higher elevation service area in Lakeland.
Terrace View Booster
Pump Station
• 2010: Construction of Terrace View Booster Pump Station with firm capacity of 1,100-
gpm, to supply water from Valley 242 to Lakeland 630 pressure zone.
• Current: Pumps Valley Service Area water to Lakeland Service Area. Equipped with
hypochlorite feed pump.
Page 145 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-12
Academy East
Booster Pump Station
• 2014: Construction of the Academy East Booster Pump Station replaced the single
pump Janssen’s Addition Pump Station, equipped with three domestic pumps with
firm capacity ranging from 750 to 1,250-gpm.
• Current: Pumps water from Reservoirs 8A and 8B into Academy Service Area.
Treatment
Howard Road
Corrosion Control
Treatment Facility
(CCTF)
• 2004: Construction of the Howard Road CCTF (6,300-gpm capacity), to treat water
from Coal Creek Springs and Well 1 and boost to Reservoir 1, using three 2,100-gpm
booster pumps.
• Current: Pumps water to Reservoir 1.
Fulmer Field CCTF
• 2004: Construction of the Fulmer Field CCTF (9,600-gpm capacity), to treat water
from Well 2, 6 and 7 and boost to Reservoir 2 and distribution system, using four
3,200-gpm booster pumps.
• 2013-2018: Evaluation of Fulmer Field CCTF (along with Wells 2, 6 and 7) to identify
improvements to increase the supply and treatment capacity of the existing facilities
and infrastructure.
• Current: Pumps water to Reservoir 2 and the Valley Service Area.
Distribution Main Improvements (mandated by Environmental Regulations) & Interties
Intertie with City of
Algona
• After 1996: Construction of wholesale interties (combined 1.1-mgd capacity) at:
o 1149 Industry Drive SW
o Boundary Boulevard and Milwaukee Ave
o Iowa Drive and West Valley Highway
o 1st Avenue
• Emergency Interties at
o Boundary Boulevard and Celery Ave
o Boundary Boulevard and O Street
Intertie with City of
Bonney Lake
• 2002: Construction of 8” emergency intertie at Evergreen Way, southwest of
Lakeland Hills Way
• After 2010: Construction of emergency interties at
o Lakeland Hills Way & 59th Avenue
o Evergreen Way and Nathan Avenue
o Olive Avenue, south of Evergreen Loop
Intertie with City of
Pacific
• After 2003: Construction of emergency interties at
o Ellingson Road near Pacific Ave
o A St SE, north of White River
Intertie with City of
Kent
• After 2001: Construction of emergency intertie with 78th Avenue S and S 277th
Street
Intertie with LMWD
• Est. 1996 – Construction of 12” wholesale intertie at 30502 132nd Avenue SE (5-mgd
capacity)
• 1996 – 2002: Construction of emergency interties in
o 127th Place SE, south of SE 299th Place
o 124th Avenue SE and SE 300th Way
o SE 300th & 132nd Ave SE
o 1998-2000 at SE 288th St & 132nd Ave SE
Intertie with
Lakehaven Water &
Sewer District (LWSD)
• Est. 1995: Construction of the Aaby Dr. wholesale intertie to LWSD at R St. NW.
• 2004: Transfer of Aaby Dr. pump station and service from City to LWSD.
• After 2010: Construction of 6” emergency intertie at Aaby Drive and Knickerbocker
Dr.
Intertie with City of
Tacoma
• Est. 2012: Construction of wholesale interties at:
o 3240 B St NW (2,200-gpm max. flow rate)
o 29598 132nd Ave SE (4,500-gpm max. flow rate)
Page 146 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-13
Distribution Main
Improvements
(mandated by
environmental (water
quality) regulation)
• 2015: Replacement of 2,760 linear feet of Asbestos Cement (AC) water main with
ductile iron main.
• 2022: Removal and replacement of approximately 186 service lines with lead
goosenecks and approximately 7,075 linear feet of distribution water main with
ductile iron main.
System Upgrades
Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) system
• 1975: Addition of SCADA/telemetry, to control all reservoirs, wells and pumps from
the Maintenance and Operations building.
• 2015: Extensive upgrade of the SCADA/telemetry system, to improve control of the
water utility facilities and replace obsolete components.
Metering
• 2016: Installation of two master meters for Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) Casino, to
facilitate City and MIT account administration.
• 2017-2018: Installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for all customers.
The AMI allowed for more accurate meter reads, daily information for quicker
detection of leaks, and improved efficiency of billing operations.
• 2020 - 2022: Replacement of deduct meters used for irrigation purposes with
separate water service tap on the city’s main.
1.5 Related Plans and Studies
In preparing this Plan, related studies and plans were reviewed to ensure coordination with adopted
documents that affect system planning and operations. The related plans are categorized into two groups
for clarity: Internal Studies/Plans Specific to the City and External Plans Influencing City-Wide Water
Management. A brief synopsis of these studies and plans are presented below.
Internal Studies/Plans Specific to the City:
Wellhead Protection Plan, City of Auburn, 2014: The City developed a Wellhead Protection Plan to identify
and protect groundwater sources. The initial plan was created in 2000 by Pacific Groundwater Group (PGG)
and subsequently updated by Robinson Noble in 2008 and 2014. The plan maintains existing wellhead
protection areas (WHPAs) and contributes to hazard assessments within these zones. It aligns with county
ordinances, impacting land use planning and reflecting in critical aquifer recharge areas as outlined in the
King County Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the plan developed a monitoring system for groundwater
sampling, which enhanced operational readiness by providing early warnings of potential contaminations.
City of Auburn Water Resources Program, Pacific Groundwater Group, Inc., 1995-1999: Pacific
Groundwater Group conducted a comprehensive groundwater study in response to recommendations of
the 1995 Comprehensive Water Plan. The study was documented in a series of reports (listed below),
collectively known as the Auburn Water Resources Program Study. The Auburn Water Resources Program
assessed the long-term potential for the City's continued use of groundwater for its water supply. The study
confirmed substantial quantities of groundwater underlying the valley area and provided the basis for the
water supply conclusions for this Plan. This comprehensive program, spanning several years, strategically
addresses water rights acquisition by delving into technical studies of the local groundwater system. Two
key elements of the program were the installation of monitoring wells and river gauges, and the assessment
of the existing City wells in the deep aquifer. The installation of monitoring wells and river gauges not only
aids in system planning by understanding groundwater dynamics but also enhances operational efficiency
through real-time data collection. The program also included the development of a regional ground-water
model (MODFLOW), using the United States Geological Survey (USGS) model program. This provided a tool
Page 147 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-14
for analyzing potential withdrawal scenarios, offering valuable insights into optimizing water system
operations.
1996 Existing Data Hydrogeologic Characterization
1996 Preliminary Hydrogeologic Characterization
Summary of 1997 Hydrogeologic Investigations
1997-1998 Test Well Drilling and Installation Program
1999 Hydrogeologic Characterization Report and Appendices
Regional Groundwater Model Report
Bilateral Compliance Agreement (BCA), 1996: This agreement, entered with the Department of Health
(DOH) due to copper levels that exceeded the action levels in samples collected in 1993, outlined treatment
options and schedules for corrosion control facilities. As a result, new corrosion facilities at the Howard
Road/Coal Creek Springs Pump Station and Fulmer Field Park were completed in 2004. The completion of
these facilities in 2002 directly impacts operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with health standards
and safeguarding water quality in the long term.
City of Auburn – Public Works Emergency Response Manual, 2022: This electronic manual is only one
element of the City’s overall Emergency Response Plan, which serves as a guide for management of
emergency situations. It was first developed in 1999 in response to the potential impact of Y2K and it is
updated annually at the first of the year. The manual is not all-inclusive for every type of disaster that could
occur, but it is a valuable tool for dealing with many of the emergency situations that most water utilities
could face.
City of Auburn Comprehensive Plan, 2015 and Amendments: This current plan, originally adopted in 2015
in accordance with the State Growth Management Act (GMA) is the City's comprehensive land use plan
and policy document. It consists of goals, land use policies, and the Comprehensive Plan maps. The plan
may be amended annually as needed. The update of the comprehensive plan is taking place concurrently
with the revision of this water system plan.
City of Auburn 2015 Comprehensive Water Plan, City of Auburn Public Works, 2015: The previous
Comprehensive Water Plan provided evaluation of needs and recommended improvements to the City
system for 2015-2022. In 2021, DOH extended the approval period for the 2015 WSP until May 11, 2026.
The plan adopted in 2015 constitutes the basis for this Plan.
Capital Facilities Plan (2023-2028), City of Auburn Finance Department, 2022: Adopted in 2022, this plan is
instrumental in both planning and operations. It outlines goals, policies, and implementation programs
mandated by the State GMA, providing a roadmap for capital improvements. This directly influences the
operational landscape by defining necessary infrastructure enhancements and improvements, aligning with
the city's capital improvements program.
Engineering Design and Construction Standards, City of Auburn, 2024: The City updates its Design and
Construction Standards as needed, typically on an annual or bi-annual basis. These standards not only guide
the planning of new infrastructure but also enhance day-to-day operations by ensuring adherence to the
latest industry practices and regulations. The City of Auburn Design and Construction Standards are
attached in Appendix P.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan, City of Auburn, 2024: The plan establishes actions and procedures for
implementing Auburn City Code (ACC) 13.14 during impending or actual water shortages, to maintain levels
Page 148 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-15
of service essential for public health and safety, minimize adverse impacts on economic activity, and protect
customer’s lifestyle; refer to Appendix R.
Water Cost of Service Rate Update Study, City of Auburn, 2022: This study informs strategic decisions
related to water rates and influences the operational budget.
System Development Charge Study, City of Auburn, 2014: Completed in 2014, this study examines system
development charges, offering insights for future infrastructure development. Its findings directly influence
the planning of new systems and infrastructure projects and provide a financial basis for expansion.
External Plans Influencing City-Wide Water Management:
King County 2016 Comprehensive Plan, King County Department of Local Services, 2016: The King County
Comprehensive Plan establishes land use zoning for areas outside the City limits, but within the RWSA.
Additionally, King County provides critical area ordinances and critical aquifer recharge areas that support
the City’s wellhead protection efforts. The current King County Comprehensive Plan was first adopted on
December 5, 2016, and was later amended in 2020.
Pierce County Comprehensive Plan, 2015 and Amendments: This is a comprehensive plan and policy
document for Pierce County. The plan was developed in accordance with the GMA and is amended every
two years. This plan influences planning by offering insights into regional policies.
Pierce County Coordinated Water System Plan, 2021: In 1983, all of Pierce County was declared a Critical
Water Supply Service Area. In response to this declaration, Pierce County established the first Coordinated
Water System Plan to coordinate planning and establish water service areas. The current Coordinated
Water System Plan, adopted in 2021 through Ordinance 2018-39s2, influences both regional water
planning and City’s operational coordination with other systems in the county.
Pierce County White River Basin Plan, 2013: This plan provides a comprehensive guide to storm drainage
and surface water management in portions of the White River Basin. Given that the City of Auburn utilizes
this basin, the plan significantly influences operational considerations and emergency response strategies
during storm events.
South King County Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP), 1989: This plan, adopted in 1989, defined the
initial service area boundaries for the water systems within the Critical Water Supply Area of South King
County. The City of Auburn Comprehensive Water Plan, upon adoption, becomes an element of the CWSP.
South King County Ground Water Management Plan (GWMP), 2003: The GWMP was initiated by Ecology
with the intent to develop methods to protect the quality and quantity of ground water, meet future
resource needs while recognizing existing water rights and provide effective and coordinated management
of ground-water resources. This plan is considered in planning for and operation of the City’s water system.
Tribal Land Use Plan, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, 1978: The adoption of the MIT's Zoning Ordinance in 1979,
which influences land use within the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, affects water-related considerations. This
plan plays a crucial role in ensuring collaborative water management efforts that respect tribal land use.
USGS Hydrogeologic Framework, Groundwater Movement, and Water Budget in the Puyallup River
Watershed and Vicinity, Pierce and King Counties, Washington: Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5068:
A collaborative effort involving various entities (Cities of Auburn, Milton, Puyallup, Sumner, and Tacoma;
Pierce Conservation District; DOH; Cascade Water Alliance; Lakehaven Utility District; Summit Water &
Supply Company; Mt. View-Edgewood Water Company; and The Russell Family Foundation), this report
Page 149 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-16
contributes valuable insights into the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater movement, and water
budget in the Puyallup River Watershed. It significantly influences both regional water planning and
operational considerations, providing a scientific basis for understanding the water dynamics in the
watershed.
Other Plans
In addition to the studies listed above, the current Water Comprehensive Plans from the following
neighboring water systems (City of Algona, Bonney Lake, Kent, Pacific, CWD, LWSD, LMWD and Highline
Water District (HWD)) were considered during the preparation of this Plan.
1.6 Service Area, Maps, and Land Use
The City’s RWSA boundaries were initially defined and documented through the South King County CWSP
in 1989. The boundaries of the RWSA have been adjusted since 1989. An area of Pierce County was
incorporated into the RWSA through the Pierce County Coordinated Water System Planning process (1997)
and interlocal agreements with Bonney Lake (1998 and 2016), LWSD (2004), Kent (2006), and LMWD
(2006). Copies of the Water Service Area Agreements are provided in Appendix G.
Several water purveyors adjoin the City of Auburn RWSA, as shown in Figure 1-4. These include the cities
of Algona, Bonney Lake, Kent, Pacific, and Sumner. Also included are the CWD, LWSD, LMWD, HWD, and
MIT. Purveyors with wholesale water agreements and interties are discussed in Section 1.6.1.
Page 150 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-17
Figure 1-4 | Adjacent Water Systems
Page 151 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-18
Figure 1-5 reflects the City’s current land use designations. The City includes a wide range of residential,
commercial, institutional, and industrial land uses. Public and quasi-public land uses include parks, open
space, and public recreation as well as institutional uses such as schools. Commercial and industrial uses
occur primarily in the valley; however, large areas of residential land use and the Downtown Urban Center
(DUC) also exist in the valley area.
The Academy and Lakeland Service Areas are primarily residential, although some commercial
development is located along Auburn Way South (SR 164) in the Academy Service Area. The Lea Hill Service
Area is also primarily residential although other uses include small amounts of commercial and open
spaces, and Green River College.
Areas within the RWSA, but outside the City limits, are governed by King County zoning. Land use is assumed
to be consistent with zoning in these areas.
Page 152 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-19
Figure 1-5 | Existing Land Use
Page 153 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-20
1.6.1 Wholesale Interties
Interties provide a tool that water utilities use to move water between systems to meet supply needs, to
increase reliability and respond to emergencies. The City maintains wholesale supply interties with three
water systems: City of Tacoma, Algona, and LMWD. The City also has a supply contract with the MIT and
the Indian Health Service, dating from 1972, for services along a pipeline at SE 368th PL extending from the
City limits into the reservation.
1.6.1.1 City of Tacoma
In 2012, Tacoma agreed to provide water to the City in the quantity of up to 1.0 mgd average day use, 1.8
mgd peak day use, and 1.62 mgd four-day peak use. Two interties were constructed to supply the City:
located at 3200 B Street NW and 29600 132nd Avenue SE in Auburn. This agreement will remain in force
as long as Tacoma (or its successors in interest of its water system) remains in the business of providing
water, and as long as the City meets the terms and conditions of the agreement.
In 2014, Tacoma amended and restated the 2012 agreement with the City to provide a total of 3.5 mgd
(2,430 gpm) of average use and 5.12 mgd (3,555 gpm) of peak use from the interties. The B Street NW
Intertie is limited to a maximum flowrate of 2,200 gpm and the 132nd Avenue SE Intertie is limited to a
maximum flowrate of 4,500 gpm.
1.6.1.2 City of Algona (Algona)
In 1996, the City and Algona entered into a water supply interlocal agreement (IA3) for the City to provide
wholesale water supply to Algona. In 2002, the agreement was superseded with Interlocal Agreement 3A
(IA3A). IA3A called for the City to provide for a firm quantified (uninterruptible) wholesale water supply and
Algona would provide the City its groundwater rights from the failed well located at the intersection of 3rd
Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Per IA3A, Algona also agreed to maintain its 100,000 gallons of system
storage and financially participate in an additional 180,000-gallon share of the City’s Reservoir 6 storage
capacity. Per request in 2016, Algona elected to increase its participation in Reservoir 6 by 100,000 gallons,
which accounted for a total share of 280,000-gallon storage capacity. If the City experiences any failure or
decreased capacity, the supply of water to Algona may be decreased by the same percentage that is
experienced by the City.
Algona is served (per agreement IA3A) through 8-inch meter located at 1st Avenue and by two 8-inch
intertie meter stations located at 1149 Industry Drive SW, and at Boundary Boulevard and Milwaukee
Avenue. A fourth 8-inch master meter is located near Iowa Drive and West Valley Highway. All the interties
are connected to the City’s 242 zone.
1.6.1.3 Lake Meridian Water District (LMWD)
An intertie between the City and LMWD was constructed in 1996 as part of Interlocal Agreement 2 (IA2),
to enable the District to purchase water from the City. The intertie also allows the City to provide an
emergency supply to Kent's East Hill Service Area through LMWD. A provision of the IA2 agreement calls
for the district to provide an emergency supply to the City when needed for the Lea Hill Service Area. As
part of the IA2, the City agrees to provide up to 2.5 mgd of MDD to LMWD (total maximum day demand of
5.0 mgd).
Page 154 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-21
Per the 2017 Amendment to the IA2, LMWD discontinued regular purchase of water from the City and
instead switched their primary supply to CWD. The amendment maintained the intertie with LMWD but
modified the conditions of service to interruptible.
1.6.2 Emergency Interties
The City has emergency interties with seven water systems as summarized in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 | Emergency Interties
Water System Receiver Location
Auburn
Pressure
Zone
Mode of
Operation
Meter
Size Operated by
City of Algona City of
Algona
Boundary
Boulevard and
Celery Ave
Valley 242 Manual N/A City of Auburn
City of Algona City of
Algona
Boundary
Boulevard and O
Street
Valley 242 Manual 8" City of Auburn
City of Bonney
Lake
City of
Bonney Lake
Evergreen Way SE
(southwest of
Lakeland Hills
Way)
Lakeland
697
Manual 8" City of Bonney
Lake
City of Bonney
Lake
Two-way Lakeland Hills Way
& 59th Avenue
Lakeland
697
Manual N/A City of Auburn /
Bonney Lake
City of Bonney
Lake
Two-way Evergreen Way
and Nathan
Avenue
Lakeland
697
Manual N/A City of Auburn /
Bonney Lake
City of Bonney
Lake
Two-way Olive Avenue,
south of
Evergreen Loop
Lakeland
697
Manual N/A City of Auburn /
Bonney Lake
City of Kent Two-way 78th Avenue S
and S 277th Street
Valley 242 Manual 6" City of Auburn /
Kent
City of Pacific City of
Pacific
Ellingson Road
near Pacific Ave
Valley 242 Manual 4" City of Pacific
City of Pacific City of
Pacific
A St SE (north of
White River)
Valley 242 Manual N/A City of Pacific
Lakehaven
Water &
Sewer District
(LWSD)
City of
Auburn
Aaby Drive and
Knickerbocker
Drive
Valley 242 Manual 6” LWSD
LMWD Two-way 127th Place SE,
south of SE 299th
Place
Lea Hill 648 Manual N/A City of Auburn
LMWD Two-way 124th Avenue SE
and SE 300th Way
Lea Hill 648 Manual N/A City of Auburn
LMWD LMWD SE 300th & 132nd
Ave SE
Lea Hill 648 Manual 8” City of Auburn
LMWD LMWD SE 288th St &
132nd Ave SE
Lea Hill 648 Manual 8” City of Auburn
City of Tacoma City of
Auburn
B St NW Valley 242 /
Lea Hill 648
Remote 8” City of Tacoma
Page 155 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-22
1.7 System Policies
The City manages the water utility in accordance with established water system policies that govern various
facets of utility operations. The water system policies are established to support a vision or mission and to
provide a framework for the design, operation, and ongoing wellbeing of the City’s water utility. The policies
establish consistency and ensure that adequate levels of service are provided throughout the system. The
policies also provide documentation to current water-system customers, as well as those considering
service from the City.
The City’s Water Comprehensive Plan is based upon the following mission statement for the water utility:
“The City will provide for the efficient, environmentally sound and safe management of the existing and
future water system within Auburn’s service area.”
For areas outside its municipal boundaries, the City maintains water franchises that allow for construction,
operation, and maintenance of its facilities. Water system design and construction in the franchise areas
are consistent with franchise requirements and the design and construction standards included in this Plan.
The City’s water system policies and criteria, provided in Appendix A, are grouped within goal statements
that are headlined under seven categories: Business Practices, Service Area, Operations and Maintenance,
Financial, Planning, Environmental Stewardship, and Design and Construction.
1.8 Duty to Serve
The City recognizes its duty to serve all new service connections within its RWSA when the following
thresholds are met per WAC 246-290-106.
The water system has sufficient capacity to serve water in a safe and reliable manner.
o To ensure the water system's capacity for safe water delivery, hydraulic analysis is conducted.
This involves assessment of peak demand patterns, pressure requirements, and potential
system expansions. The goal is to establish and maintain a water supply infrastructure that can
reliably and securely accommodate the needs of new connections.
The service request is consistent with adopted local plans and development regulations.
o Service requests undergo a comprehensive review to ascertain their alignment with local plans,
including the City’s Design and Construction Standards.
The water system has sufficient water rights to provide service.
o Assessment of water production data is performed for all sources to confirm the water
system's capacity and compliance with available water rights.
The water system can provide service in a timely and reasonable manner.
o The assessment of the water system's capability to provide service promptly and reasonably
encompasses evaluating infrastructure readiness, adherence to construction timelines, and
minimizing disruption to existing customers.
Page 156 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Description of the Water System Page 1-23
The City will plan to provide water service to all customers within its RWSA, in accordance with the
WAC requirements and City Code. Revisions to the City’s RWSA will be made only by written
agreement and in accordance with local, county and state regulations.
1.9 Local Government Consistency
The City has submitted this plan to DOH, King and Pierce Counties, adjacent utilities, and local governments
as part of the Agency Review process. Local government consistency review is completed in accordance
with WAC 246-290-100(7) and WAC 246-290-108 to confirm consistency between the water system plan
and local comprehensive plans, development regulations, and other local codes.
The consistency review also supports planning and development, minimizing conflicts and legal
entanglements. The completed and signed Local Government Consistency Determination forms (DOH 331-
568) are provided in Appendix F.
1.10 Watershed Plan Consistency
The City is in the Duwamish-Green (WRIA 9) and Puyallup-White Watershed (WRIA 10). The City currently
has no plans to expand water rights place of use to include any portion of the service area that was not
previously within the place of use for the water right when documented in an approved planning or
engineering document and as identified in this Plan.
If the City expands water rights place of use, the new area within the water rights place of use service area
will be formed in compliance with the terms of WAC 246-290-107 and consistent with the Watershed Plan
approved for WRIA 9 or WRIA 10, under RCW 90.54.040(1).
Page 157 of 348
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 158 of 348
22-3425 •June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-1
CHAPTER 2
Basic Planning Data
This chapter’s objective is to meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-100 (4)(b), incorporating basic planning
data into this 22024 Water System Plan (WSP). It provides current population and water demand information;
estimates future population and water demand; validates data; and compares future population and water
demand estimates with locally adopted plans.
Projecting realistic future water requirements, or demand, is necessary for planning infrastructure projects
and securing adequate water supply to meet future growth. Future water demands are a key component of
the water system analyses presented in this WSP and in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Accurate demand projections require a thorough review of historical water use, predicting where and how
much growth will occur, and estimating the future water use for existing and new customers.
The following topics are addressed in this chapter:
2.1 Water Service Area Population
2.2 Water Service Connections and Usage
2.3 Water Supply and Production
2.4 Distribution System Leakage
2.5 Water Supply Characteristics
2.6 Water Supply Reliability Evaluation
2.7 Future Population Projections and Land Use
2.8 Future Water Demand
2.1 Water Service Area Population
The City’s current area within the RWSA boundary is smaller than its City limits, with adjacent purveyors
serving the portion of the City’s population that is outside its RWSA boundary, as shown in Figure 1-1
presented in Chapter 1. As a result, historical City population data does not accurately represent the
population served by the City’s water system. To calculate the RWSA population, the Housing Unit Method
was used, which is presented as an acceptable option for population determination in the Washington State
Department of Health’s (DOH) Water System Planning Guidebook 2020 Revision. The Housing Unit Method
calculates the population based on the number of residential units and the area’s average person’s per
household ratio.
The historical population data for the water system, as calculated using the Housing Unit Method, is
presented in Table 2-1. These calculated populations are consistent with the numbers the City has reported
on its Water Facilities Inventory (WFI), included in Appendix H.
Page 159 of 348
22-3425 •June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-2
Table 2-1 | Historical Population
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Persons per
household1
2.73 2.75 2.76 2.77 2.79 2.80 2.81 2.82
Single-Family
Residential
Connections2,3
11,600 12,128 11,852 11,857 11,883 11,894 11,985 11,980
Multi-Family
Residential
Connections2
1,045 1,070 1,035 1,044 1,054 1,054 1,064 1,052
Calculated Multi-
Family Units4
10,450 10,700 10,350 10,440 10,540 10,540 10,640 10,520
Calculated
Population Served5
60,259 62,704 61,294 61,872 62,535 62,876 63,576 63,450
City Population6 78,210 80,362 82,058 84,352 86,353 87,256 88,080 88,750
City Employment
(Non-Residential
Population)7
37,298 39,466 29,487 40,855 41,985 39,092 37,871 N/A
Notes:
1. Persons per household per Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). 2021 and 2022 values are projected since OFM data is only
available for the census period of 2010-2020.
2. Single and Multi-Family connections per City’s water system billing records.
3. Single-Family Residential connections include duplexes per the City’s design standards.
4. Assumed units per multi-family connection is 10 per the City’s WFI, updated on 3/15/2022.
5. Calculated Population Served is calculated as the number of single-family connections plus the number of multi-family units multiplied by the
persons per household.
6. City population per the Washington State OFM records.
7. Employment data is from the United States Census OnTheMap data source using a City-defined selection area.
Based on the calculated historical water system population presented in Table 2-1, the City’s water system
has seen growth in population between 2015 and 2022 averaging a one percent increase annually. The
number of connections peaked in 2016 (along with the calculated population), however this was during the
time when the City was transferring services to AMI metering, resulting in some apparent fluctuations of
reported connections during the switchover that could not be easily rectified. The last row in Table 2-1
provides the City population as reported by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). The City population
has had a similar, steady growth to the calculated water system population, with an average annual growth
rate of 1.8 percent annually. The City population as reported by the OFM is larger than the calculated water
system population because the RWSA is smaller than the City limits as shown in the Water System Map (Figure
1-3). Additionally, growth in parts of the City beyond the RWSA has been greater than the rate of growth
experienced within the RWSA. The OFM City population information is provided for reference; the calculated
population served will be used for the purposes of this WSP.
2.2 Water Service Connections and Usage
Historical water use, or consumption, data was obtained from City records to characterize the demands of
the City’s customers. Annual water use data for the years 2015 to 2022 was used to develop historical demand
patterns and parameters, which represent current and likely future water use. Two key demand parameters
were generated from the data: typical water use per customer classification, and typical water use per
equivalent residential unit. These parameters were used as the basis of future demand projections.
Page 160 of 348
22-3425 •June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-3
2.2.1 Historical Accounts
The City’s water customers are divided into eight customer classifications, which are:
Single-family Residential (SFR).
Multi-family Residential (MFR).
Commercial.
Manufacturing and Industrial.
Schools.
Municipal (City Accounts).
Irrigation.
Wholesale.
The number of connections for each customer classification is summarized in Table 2-2. Unmetered, also
referred to as non-revenue water, also accounts for a portion of the City’s water use, however, this
classification is not included in Table 2-2. Please note that per the City’s standards, SRF connections include
duplexes.
Table 2-2 | Historical Number of Connections per Customer Classification
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Single-Family Residential 11,600 12,128 11,852 11,857 11,883 11,894 11,985 11,980
Multi-Family Residential 1,045 1,070 1,035 1,044 1,054 1,054 1,064 1,052
Commercial 1,317 1,386 1,340 1,339 1,333 1,328 1,284 1,244
Manufacturing & Industrial 50 4 4 3 2 2 2 2
Schools 70 64 60 60 60 60 58 55
Municipal (City Accounts) 32 34 33 33 33 33 33 33
Irrigation 459 499 484 499 514 514 620 675
Wholesale 8 8 8 7 5 5 5 5
Number of Connections,
Total 14,581 15,193 14,816 14,842 14,884 14,890 15,051 15,046
As summarized in Table 2-2, SFR connections make up approximately 80 percent of all accounts. The total
number of connections has increased by approximately three percent between 2015 and 2022. Variation in
the total number of water service connections in 2016 is linked to the rollout of AMI technology from 2016
to 2017. Throughout this transitional phase, there may have been instances of double counting meters in
2016, leading to an inflated number of connections. Subsequently, there was a notable decrease in 2017 as
the number of connections were normalized.
A significant change in manufacturing and industrial accounts occurred between 2015 and 2016 due to some
meters being reclassified as commercial connections. Manufacturing and industrial services are classified as
businesses engaging in the manufacture of products, materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies with a
meter size of two inches or larger and a monthly annual average water consumption equal to or greater than
30,000 cubic feet. There were several accounts that did not meet the criteria for this classification and were
changed to Commercial classification rate following 2015. The total number of connections from 2016 to
2017 decreased due to low and high flow meters (two meters) being replaced with one meter; this impacted
Commercial, Manufacturing and Industrial, and School connections.
Page 161 of 348
22-3425 •June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-4
The number of SFR, MFR, and commercial connections peaked in 2016, however, as mentioned in the opening
paragraph, this is likely due to the fluctuations in the City’s transition to AMI metering. Municipal connections
remained constant over this period.
Wholesale connections were reduced in 2019 when Covington Water District (CWD) and Lake Meridian Water
District (LMWD), formerly known as King County Water District # 111, discontinued regular purchase of water
from the City.
2.2.2 Historical Consumption
The City’s historical annual water consumption based on City billing data for each customer classification is
presented in Table 2-3 in million gallons (MG); the table does not include non-revenue (unmetered) water.
Table 2-3 | Historical Consumption in Million Gallons (MG) by Customer Classification
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Single-Family Residential 774 753 759 836 729 777 796 755
Multi-Family Residential 537 546 523 587 536 553 559 559
Commercial 501 581 595 594 585 461 470 472
Manufacturing & Industrial 170 153 123 124 121 101 94 96
Schools 41 49 56 49 42 30 33 28
Municipal (City Accounts) 5 4 5 5 5 4 4 3
Irrigation 163 162 160 102 102 118 173 173
Wholesale 425 428 153 137 130 131 128 125
Total Consumption, MG 2,616 2,676 2,374 2,433 2,251 2,175 2,257 2,211
Consumption has slightly declined over the period of record. While SFR and MFR consumption varied from
year to year, it generally saw a slight increase during the study period which is correlated to the steady
increase in the number of connections presented in Table 2-2. SFR and MFR consumption peaked in 2018,
which is likely due to AMI meters implementation. Manufacturing and industrial demands decreased between
2015 and 2022 which is attributed to the reduced number of connections (reclassification) presented in Table
2-2 as well as reduced consumption from Boeing which is the City’s only current manufacturing and industrial
customer. Commercial and school consumption decreased in 2020 through 2022 which is likely correlated
with remote working and schooling that resulted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wholesale demands also
decreased over the planning period since LMWD and CWD discontinued purchase of water from the City.
Additionally, no wholesale water was supplied to MIT for the future fish hatchery; refer to Section 2.8 for
additional information.
Figure 2-1 presents the percentage of customer connections and annual billed water consumption by
customer classification in 2022. Comparing the number of connections and water consumption illustrates the
differences in water consumption between the different customer classifications. For example, SFR
customers represent 80 percent of the connections, yet only 34 percent of the total consumption in 2022.
Conversely, MFR customers represent seven percent of the connections, but 25 percent of the total
consumption in 2022. Wholesale customers have six accounts in 2022 (0.04 percent of the total connections),
but account for six percent of the total consumption in 2022. Similarly, manufacturing and industrial have
two connections in 2022 (0.01 percent of the total connections), but account for four percent of the total
consumption in 2022.
Page 162 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-5
Figure 2-1 | Comparison of Number of Connections to Annual Water Consumption per Customer Classification in 2022
80%
7%8%
0.01%0.37%0.22%
4%
0.03%
34%
25%
21%
4%
1%0.15%
8%6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Single-Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential
Commercial Manufacturing &
Industrial
Schools Municipal (City
Accounts)
Irrigation Wholesale
Number of Connections Water Consumption
Page 163 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-6
2.2.2.1 Historical Wholesale Consumption
Wholesale consumption decreased between 2015 and 2022. From 2015 to 2016 wholesale consumption
represented 16 percent of the City’s annual water consumption. In 2017 wholesale consumption decreased
to six percent and remained relatively constant through 2022.
The City has two wholesale water agreements, one with the City of Algona and the other with LMWD. These
agreements are described below, and copies of the agreements are included in Appendix G.
The City of Algona relies on the City of Auburn for water supply under the Water System Intertie Agreement,
Algona/Auburn Intertie Agreement No. 3A (Agreement 3A). Agreement 3A was amended in 2002 to continue
the agreement for the City of Auburn to provide a portion of the City of Algona’s long-term water supply
needs. Additionally, in 2016 the City of Algona purchased 100,000 gallons of additional storage in Lakeland
Reservoir 6, bringing their total storage capacity to 280,000 gallons. Algona’s consumption increased in 2018.
Water consumption averaged 0.33 mgd between 2015 and 2017, and 0.36 mgd between 2018 and 2022. See
Table 2-6 for annual usage totals.
The City’s Interlocal Agreement 2 (IA2) outlines the agreement with LMWD. The City’s agreement with LMWD
is on an interruptible basis and allows sales up to 2.5 mgd. This agreement was executed in October of 1996
and amended as Resolution 5332 in 2017. The agreement will remain in full force unless terminated by mutual
agreement of the participants. LMWD did not purchase wholesale water during the planning period since
they discontinued regular purchase of water from the City of Auburn in 2017 per the amendment to IA2.
Instead, LMWD switched their primary supply to CWD, however, LMWD still maintains intertie with the City
to use as a wholesale water supply on an as-needed basis.
The first amendment to IA2 also included the termination of CWD’s wholesale agreement with the City; CWD
did not purchase wholesale water during the planning period.
2.2.3 Water Use Per Connection and Equivalent Residential Units
The water use, or demand, of each customer classification can be expressed in terms of equivalent residential
units (ERUs) for forecasting and planning purposes. One ERU is defined as the average quantity of water
beneficially used by one average, full-time, SFR per day. The ERU calculation does not include non-revenue
water or distribution leakage. Table 2-4 summarizes the annual demand per ERU from 2015 to 2022 in gpd.
Table 2-4 | Historical Annual Demand per ERU (gpd per ERU)
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
SFR Consumption
(MG)1 774 753 759 836 729 777 796 755
Number of SFR
Connections2 11,600 12,128 11,852 11,857 11,883 11,894 11,985 11,980
ERUADD (gpd)3 183 170 176 193 168 179 182 173
Notes:
1. Per annual residential consumption from Table 2-3.
2. Per residential connections from Table 2-2.
3. Calculated as annual consumption divided by number of connections.
To be conservative, an ERU planning value higher than the average was used by the City for demand
forecasting. The 75th percentile of all the eight-year values was used to select the planning ERU value of
Page 164 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-7
182 gpd. This methodology is consistent with the City’s 2015 Plan. The ERU value of 182 gpd is seven percent
lower than the 2015 Plan’s ERU planning value of 195 gpd per ERU.
The conversion of total water consumption to ERUs provides a means to express water consumption by non-
residential customers as an equivalent number of SFR accounts. The number of ERUs per account is obtained
by dividing the water consumption per account by the water use per ERU (182 gpd for this planning period).
Table 2-5 presents the number of ERUs per account for each customer classification based on the planning
value of 182 gallons per ERU.
Table 2-5 | Historical Demand as Equivalent ERUs per Customer Classification
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Single-Family
Residential(ERUs)1 11,600 12,128 11,852 11,857 11,883 11,894 11,985 11,980
Multi-Family
Residential (ERUs)8,078 8,194 7,864 8,832 8,067 8,295 8,403 8,411
Commercial (ERUs)7,542 8,709 8,947 8,933 8,806 6,920 7,066 7,096
Manufacturing &
Industrial (ERUs)2,561 2,298 1,857 1,864 1,817 1,510 1,412 1,437
Schools (ERUs)614 730 842 742 624 448 497 420
Municipal (City
Accounts) (ERUs)69 62 69 72 82 56 67 49
Irrigation (ERUs)2,454 2,431 2,412 1,528 1,534 1,775 2,608 2,603
Wholesale (ERUs)6,395 6,414 2,299 2,057 1,949 1,966 1,925 1,884
Annual Demand
Equivalent (ERUs)39,314 40,967 36,141 35,884 34,762 32,863 33,963 33,881
Note:
1. The number of Single-Family Residential ERUs is equivalent to the actual number of connections. For all other customer classifications, the
planning value of one ERU is equivalent to 182 gpd.
2.2.4 Largest Water Users
The top 20 largest water users for the City’s water system are summarized in Table 2-6 and Figure 2-2 with
rank assignments based on 2022 consumption. Total consumption values are presented in MG. This list, in
conjunction with the information above, provides information on where water is consumed in the system. It
is important to note the type of customer classification, because the top 20 water users consume a significant
percentage of the total consumption. As mentioned above, SFR connections make up most of the total
connections and water consumption for the system, but no individual SFR connections are listed within the
top 20 largest water users. Though the City of Algona is comprised of individual SFR’s, the City of Algona is
one of the top 20 largest water users because it is a wholesale customer supplied via a limited number of
connections.
The top 20 water users in the City’s water system accounted for approximately 24 percent of the total water
system consumption in 2022. LMWD was the largest water user in 2015 and 2016, purchasing over 300 MG
per year, but discontinued regular purchase of consumed water from the City in 2017. Copper Gate,
Promenade Apartments, and Villas/Reserve are developments that were constructed after 2015, which
pushed Tall Cedars and Leisure Manor multi-family users out of the top 20. Boeing and the City of Algona
make up almost 50 percent of the top 20 water users’ consumption.
Page 165 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-8
Table 2-6 | Historical Annual Consumption of the Top 20 Largest Water Users in Million Gallons (MG)
Rank1 Customer Name Classification Service Area 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
1 Boeing Manufacturing/Commercial Valley 220.67 227.34 207.23 195.48 207.15 159.83 138.70 149.57
2 City of Algona Wholesale Valley 120.93 125.29 120.46 137.04 130.75 132.07 127.22 125.18
3 Muckleshoot Casino Commercial Academy 36.65 37.04 37.08 37.66 36.49 18.79 24.24 29.79
4 Auburn Manor Multi-Family Valley 21.25 22.367 22.24 20.61 21.45 22.59 25.03 27.10
5 Copper Gate2 Irrigation/Multi-Family Valley -----0.22 17.70 26.80
6 Emerald Downs Commercial/Irrigation Valley 35.51 34.48 32.40 32.81 30.69 27.28 23.33 23.36
7 White River Estates Multi-Family Valley 13.24 13.09 13.42 13.36 13.66 15.87 18.06 21.47
8 Laundry Facility Commercial Valley 19.52 23.73 26.25 20.81 31.31 30.87 32.19 21.32
9 Promenade
Apartments2 Commercial/Irrigation/Multi-Family Lea Hill ---7.58 13.00 17.53 19.48 20.74
10 MultiCare Commercial/Irrigation Valley 12.45 14.86 14.95 11.35 12.04 11.48 12.32 15.30
11 Villas/Reserve2 Commercial/Irrigation/Multi-Family Valley ---4.75 11.84 14.09 13.62 13.66
12 Wal-mart/Supermall Commercial/Irrigation Valley 14.54 15.98 17.70 13.31 13.78 9.79 13.26 13.58
13 Auburn Dairy Commercial Valley 9.73 10.03 9.73 9.49 10.38 10.63 11.58 12.82
14 Rio Verde Multi-Family Valley 16.91 14.21 11.41 11.72 11.72 11.46 12.12 12.48
15 College Place Multi-Family Lea Hill 10.81 11.46 11.75 12.59 10.99 11.77 11.89 11.74
16 Skylark Village Multi-Family Valley 11.80 12.23 14.30 11.93 14.65 11.13 11.73 11.11
17 The River Estates Multi-Family Valley 10.23 10.59 10.38 9.97 9.17 9.59 10.49 10.27
18 Safeway Commercial Valley 11.01 9.48 9.81 9.27 9.44 9.95 9.32 9.14
19 Adventist Academy School/Multi-Family Academy 10.66 9.92 8.89 12.49 9.33 6.17 6.50 8.26
20 Forest Villa (PIC)Multi-Family Academy 13.86 10.83 8.24 8.13 8.63 7.80 7.82 8.00
-LMWD3 Wholesale Lea Hill 302.89 303.02 29.40 -----
TOTAL CONSUMPTION (MG)3 905.86 918.45 618.85 588.28 613.31 545.32 546.66 571.67
Notes:
1. Rank assignments are based on 2022 consumption data.
2. Service location was constructed after 2015 WSP was published.
3. LMWD was the largest water user in 2015 and 2016 but discontinued purchase of water from the City in 2017. Included to contribute to the total consumption.
4. The annual total is the sum of the top 20 largest users from each year; Tall Cedars and Leisure Manor consumption data is not shown but is included in the total.
Page 166 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-9
Figure 2-2 | Historical Annual Consumption of the Top 20 Largest Water Users in Million Gallons (MG)
0
50
100
150
200
250
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Boeing City of Algona Muckleshoot Casino Auburn Manor Copper Gate
Emerald Downs White River Estates Laundry Facility Promenade Apartments MultiCare
Villas/ Reserve Walmart/Supermall Auburn Dairy Rio Verde College Place
Skylark Village The River Estates Safeway Adventist Academy Forest Villa (PIC)
Linear (Forest Villa (PIC))Million Gallons (MG)City of Algona
Boeing
Page 167 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-10
2.3 Water Supply and Production
The historical average and maximum water demands are important parameters when performing system and
supply analyses. The term “water demand” refers to all the water requirements of a system including metered
customers, unmetered water use, and unaccounted for water loss such as leakage and theft. For this reason,
the City’s supply data, which accounts for all water demand, was used to calculate the Average Day Demand
(ADD) and Maximum Day Demand (MDD) for each year.
2.3.1 Historical Water Supply
The City produces water through its springs, wells, and, when needed, wholesale water purchases. Table 2-7
summarizes the amount of water produced and purchased by the City between 2015 and 2022 as MG. The
City has not purchased water from the City of Tacoma since 2016.
Table 2-7 | Historical Annual Water Supply by Source in Million Gallons (MG)
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Lakeland Well 5 4.9 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0 0.9 1.2 3.3
Lakeland Well 5A 54 45 64 76 68 65 72 59
Lakeland Well 5B --------
Valley Well 1 -200 336 93 143 143 57 73
Valley Well 2 ---270 296 235 305 314
Valley Well 3A --------
Valley Well 3B --------
Valley Well 4 302 430 421 121 96 84 88 66
Valley Well 6 ---402 445 349 438 468
Valley Well 7 --------
Coal Creek Springs 1,456 1,613 1,510 1,315 1,208 1,268 1,338 1,225
West Hill Springs 173 198 114 176 136 133 140 157
Algona Well 1 --------
Total Production
(MG)1 2,033 2,487 2,506 2,464 2,410 2,313 2,454 2,425
Total Purchased (MG) 732 321 - - - - - -
Total Supply (MG) 2,765 2,808 2,506 2,464 2,410 2,313 2,454 2,425
Note:
1. Small differences exist between the total production value and the sum of individual production values by source. This is due to the use of raw
unprocessed data for individual sources and adjusting for corrections made to the reporting of production from Lakeland Well 5. The Total
Production values presented depict the most accurate information available.
Table 2-8| 2022 Monthly Water Production by Source (MG)
Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May June July Aug.Sep.Oct.Nov.Dec.
Lakeland Well 5 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.9 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Lakeland Well 5A 6 5 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 -1
Lakeland Well 5B ------------
Valley Well 1 3 1 -1 -3 19 41 5 ---
Valley Well 2 27 25 29 28 29 25 30 29 24 23 21 24
Page 168 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-11
Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May June July Aug.Sep.Oct.Nov.Dec.
Valley Well 3A ------------
Valley Well 3B ------------
Valley Well 4 3 2 2 3 -2 18 27 8 1 --
Valley Well 6 41 37 44 41 43 36 44 44 37 35 31 35
Valley Well 7 ------------
Coal Creek
Springs 90 71 77 62 83 110 129 159 153 112 89 90
West Hill Springs 13 11 13 12 13 13 13 15 14 14 13 13
Algona Well 1 ------------
2.3.2 Average Day Demands and Maximum Day Demands
Table 2-9 summarizes the historical ADD and MDD based on production from 2015 through 2022.
To calculate the ADD, the total annual supply was divided by the number of days in the year.
Historical values of MDD are equivalent to the highest production and purchase in one day in a given year,
usually during the summer when irrigation use is highest. The MDD is a key parameter used for supply
capacity, pump station discharge rates, reservoir capacity, and pump sizes. The peaking factor is also a key
parameter in developing the future MDD projections.
Table 2-9| Historical Annual ADD, MDD, Peak Day, and Peaking Factor
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Annual Supply (MG)1 2,765 2,808 2,506 2,464 2,410 2,313 2,454 2,425
Average Day Demand (mgd)7.57 7.67 6.87 6.75 6.60 6.32 6.72 6.64
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)9.76 12.64 12.54 13.61 11.29 13.62 13.08 12.78
Max Day Date (month/day)7/7 8/31 7/26 7/11 8/1 8/27 6/29 7/27
MDD/ADD Peaking Factor 1.29 1.65 1.83 2.02 1.71 2.15 1.95 1.92
Note:
1. Value is from Table 2-7.
The last row of Table 2-9 presents the historical MDD to ADD peaking factor, which normalizes the historical
data to compare between years. The minimum MDD factor was 1.29 in 2015, and the maximum MDD was
2.15 in 2020.
Due to variability of the peaking factor, the City has chosen to use the 75th percentile of the historical peaking
factors in demand projections, which is 1.96. This factor provides a better representation of the peaking
factors observed historically for water supply predictions.
Figure 2-3 shows that from 2015 to 2022 the ADD has decreased which is correlated with improved water
use efficiency, but the MDD and MDD/ADD peaking factor have increased, likely due to warmer and drier
summer months.
Page 169 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-12
Figure 2-3 | Historical Water Production with Peaking Factor
2.3.3 Peak Hour Demand
Peak Hour Demand (PHD) is the amount of water used, excluding fire flow, during the largest use hour of the
year. Because the City does not track hourly production data, PHD was estimated based on Equation 3-1 from
the DOH Water Design Manual, which is as follows:
PHD = (ERUMDD/1440) [(C x N) + F] + 18
Where PHD = Peak Hourly Demand, total system (gpm)
C = Coefficient Associated with Ranges of ERUs (1.6 for systems with more than 500 ERUs)
N = Number of ERUs based on MDD
F = Factor Associated with Ranges of ERUs (225 for systems with more than 500 ERUs)
ERUMDD = Maximum Day Demand per ERU (gpd)
The calculated annual PHD for the system is summarized in Table 2-10.
Table 2-10 | Historical Peak Hour Demand
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
ERUMDD (gpd)235 300 333 367 311 393 354 350
Number of ERUs
based on MDD 41,586 42,115 37,692 37,068 36,253 34,690 36,907 36,479
-
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
-
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Average Day (mgd)Maximum Day (mgd)Peaking FactorWater Production, mgdPeaking Factor, MDD/ADDPage 170 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-13
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
PHD (gpm)10,902 14,113 14,005 15,196 12,613 15,208 14,607 14,273
PHD to MDD Factor 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61
The last row of Table 2-10 provides the calculated PHD to MDD factor, which normalizes the historical data
to compare between years. The calculated PHD factor remained consistent at 1.61 between 2015-2022. Due
to this consistency, the City has elected to use the PHD factor of 1.61 in future demand projections.
2.3.4 Seasonal Variations
The pattern of water consumption differs between the customer classifications. Water use increases
significantly during the summer when daylight hours are longer, and lawn and landscape watering is
prominent. Other outdoor uses, including car washing, pools, and recreation, are also at their highest during
summer months.
Figure 2-4 presents the effect that temperature has on water usage by comparing 2022 monthly consumption
data per customer classification to the average monthly temperature.
Figure 2-4 | Temperature Effects on Water Usage in 2022
As seen in Figure 2-4, SFR and irrigation customers show a significant peak in total consumption during the
summer months. Other customer classifications show a smaller similar peak during these months. MFR
customers do not show a significant peak during summer monthly because City’s policy dictates the use of
separate irrigation accounts for all non-SFR accounts. These monthly variations can be used to target water
use efficiency efforts and/or to project future water-use patterns for planning purposes.
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
32.00
37.00
42.00
47.00
52.00
57.00
62.00
67.00
72.00
77.00
82.00
87.00
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberSingle Family Multi-Family Commercial
Manufacturing & Industry School City Accounts
Irrigation Monthly Average TemperatureWater Use (1,000-gallon) Temperautre (Fahrenheit)Page 171 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-14
2.4 Distribution System Leakage
Distribution System Leakage (DSL) represents the difference between production and documented water use
(retail, wholesale, and authorized unmetered). It may include inaccurate master and service connection
meters, unaccounted-for non-revenue water use, pipeline leakage, and unauthorized use. DSL does not
include authorized water usage such as water used for fire protection, flushing, construction, and other
maintenance and operations practices. However, to be credited, this must be accounted for by metering or
estimating using credible means.
DSL is calculated as the difference between the total amount of water produced and the sum of water sold
and authorized unbilled water usage. DOH requires the three-year average DSL to be under 10 percent to
minimize water waste.
The City’s estimated DSL for 2015 through 2022 is presented in Table 2-11. Revised DSL values have been
provided to DOH for 2020, 2021 and 2022 that are lower than the values presented in Table 2-11. However,
the revised values are not utilized for projections, as the revisions were made after the demand projections
and system analysis were completed. Since the values used for demand projections and system analysis are
slightly higher than the revised values, the projections are slightly more conservative than would have been
necessary otherwise.
Table 2-11 | Historical Distribution System Leakage
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Total Water Supply1 (MG)2,765 2,808 2,506 2,464 2,410 2,313 2,454 2,425
Billed Consumption2 (MG)2,616 2,676 2,374 2,433 2,251 2,175 2,266 2,214
Authorized Non-Billed Consumption
(MG)7 4 6 13 7 4 5 5
Total Authorized Consumption (MG)2,623 2,679 2,380 2,446 2,257 2,179 2,271 2,219
DSL (MG)142 128 126 18 153 133 183 207
Annual Percent DSL 5.1%4.6%5.0%0.7%6.3%5.8%7.5%8.5%
3-Year Rolling Average (Percent)6.8%5.1%4.9%3.4%4.0%4.3%6.5%7.2%
3-Year Rolling Average (MG)183 139 132 91 99 101 156 174
Notes:
1. From Table 2-7.
2. From Table 2-3.
For the City’s water system, the total three-year rolling average DSL ranged from 3.4 percent and 7.2 percent
of the total production meeting DOH requirements and the City’s goal. The City’s annual average DSL over
the period was 5.3 percent. During this period the City maintained a DSL below 10 percent on an annual basis,
which is an improvement from the last planning period. Abnormally high authorized non-billed consumption
was recorded in 2018 due to unidirectional flushing for the Valley Service Area. Starting in 2021, the billed
consumption was updated to track hydrant water used during construction.
The City is committed to maintaining a 3-year rolling average DSL below 10 percent and actively works to
identify and eliminate DSL throughout the system through its ongoing leak detection, meter calibration, and
repair and replacement programs for water system infrastructure, as detailed in Chapter 6 – Operations and
Maintenance. Additionally, the City has maintained efforts to reduce non-payment bills and water theft.
Page 172 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-15
2.5 Water Supply Characteristics
The City has a diverse water supply consisting of two springs, ten wells and an emergency intertie with the
City of Tacoma; refer to the Existing Facilities Figure provided in Chapter 1 (Figure 1-3). The City’s aquifer
characteristics are described in several sources; this section draws mainly from the Conceptual Mitigation
Plan (CMP) for Water Right Application G1-28404, provided in Appendix S.
Wells 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 6, and 7 are in the lower alluvial aquifer in the Auburn Valley, referred to as the Valley
Wellfield. This wellfield is mostly confined by the Osceola Mudflow, an important aquitard in the Auburn
Valley depicted in Figure 4 of the CMP. Groundwater discharge from the upland aquifers is the primary source
of recharge to the lower alluvial aquifer, which hosts all the City’s wells. Groundwater generally moves
upward in the valley aquifers and moves horizontally at approximately one to four feet per day. Alluvial
groundwater from the White River also recharges the Green River alluvial aquifer. Groundwater in the vicinity
of Wells 2, 6, and 7 discharges into the Puget Sound via the Green River and the Duwamish River valley. Wells
2, 6, and 7 are located northeast of downtown Auburn and collectively referred to as the Fulmer Wellfield.
Wells 1, 3A, 3B, and 4 are in the White River Drainage Basin and Wells 2, 6, 7 and West Hill Springs are in the
Green River Drainage Basin.
Well 7 is currently not in use due to high manganese concentrations, however the City plans to install a
manganese treatment system for Well 7 to bring it back online. The City has a pending water right application
for 13,443 acre-feet per year from the existing Wells 6 and 7 and a future Well 8. The City has sufficient water
rights to meet current demands and 10-year demand projections, as shown in the Water Rights Self-
Assessment Form provided in Appendix I. Under 2044 high demand MDD conditions, the City does not have
sufficient instantaneous water rights (Qi) to meet all demands for retail, firm wholesale and interruptible
wholesale customers. Should this occur, the City could purchase water from Tacoma through wholesale
interties to meet demands. It is worth noting that this evaluation assumes 2.5 mgd of demand from LMWD
who has an interruptible wholesale agreement with the City and would only be supplied as water is available
to be provided, so this condition is expected to be unlikely. Mitigation obligations due to the proposed water
right for Wells 6, 7, and 8 are listed below and are described in detail in the CMP:
Mitigation of impacts to Green River,
Mitigation of impacts to White River, and
Mitigation of impacts to Mill Creek.
Wells 5, 5A, and 5B are in the Upland Wellfield and constructed within the Lakeland Service Area. The upland
aquifers are recharged through precipitation and leakage from Lake Tapps and discharge into the White River
system. Once Well 5B came online, the City discovered that the aquifer was not recovering. Well 5B has been
offline since 2006. The safe yield of Wells 5 and 5A have been decreased from their design capacity due to a
drop in the aquifer’s capacity. Specific information on the individual wells and their associated water rights
are provided in Section 3.4.1.
West Hill Springs draws from an unnamed confined aquifer. The spring source water flows by gravity into the
Valley Service Area, although flows vary depending on aquifer conditions, and discharges into Mill Creek,
which flows into the Green River.
Coal Creek Springs is the largest active water supply for the City and draws from a confined aquifer, however
its flow varies depending on aquifer conditions. Coal Creek Springs collection system is located at the base of
Lake Tapps Upland and is in the White River Drainage Basin. Further aquifer details are provided within the
Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) provided as Appendix T.
Page 173 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-16
The City also owns two additional wells: the Algona Well 1 and the Braunwood Well. Algona Well 1 was
acquired by the City in 1996 but has since been taken offline due to operational issues.
The City plans to use a groundwater flow model being developed by the USGS to predict potential impacts to
surface water.
2.6 Water Supply Reliability Evaluation
The City’s active water sources have maintained current production capacities and are deemed reliable, as
they have back-up power sources available. The production of some water sources is limited by pump or
intake capacity, as mentioned in Section 2.5, however all production is managed to be within available water
rights and is managed by the physical capacity of each facility as summarized in Table 2-12.
Table 2-12 | Summary of Source Water Pumping or Production Capacity Compared to 2022 Maximum
Daily Production
Source Service Area Pumping/Production Capacity
(gpm)
Maximum Daily
Production1
(gpm)
Well 5 Lakeland 760 397
Well 5A Lakeland 180 161
Well 5B Lakeland --2 --
Well 1 Valley 2,100 2,094
Well 2 Valley 1,115 1,110
Well 3A Valley --2 --
Well 3B Valley --2 --
Well 4 Valley 2,600 1,496
Well 6 Valley 1,200 1,189
Well 7 Valley --2 --
Coal Creek Springs Valley 3,5003 4,401
West Hill Springs Valley 600 469
Algona Well 1 ----2 --
TOTAL 12,055 11,317
Notes:
1.Maximum daily production per source is the maximum production rate recorded in 2022.
2.The facility is currently offline. No production capacity is available without facility improvements.
3.Water rights for Coal Creek Springs allow for a Qi of 6,732 gpm. 3,500 gpm is the typical historical production capacity limitation experienced.
The City is currently investigating the possible factors influencing the feasible withdrawal from this source.
Calculations presented in the Water Rights Self-Assessment Form (Appendix I) conclude that the City’s
existing water rights are anticipated to be adequate to meet the current and 10-year projections for
maximum instantaneous flows (Qi) and total annual withdrawal (Qa). The City does not have sufficient Qi
water rights to meet the 20-year high demand scenario projections and has a deficit of 1,253 gpm. Should
this occur, the City could purchase water from Tacoma through the wholesale interties to meet demands. It
is worth noting that this evaluation assumes 2.5 mgd of demand from LMWD who has an interruptible
wholesale agreement with the City and would only be supplied as water is available to be provided, so this
condition is expected to be unlikely.
However, the City does not have the infrastructure required to withdraw from all water sources, and some
sources have underlying production restrictions that require further evaluation. Several facility improvement
projects are required to maximize production and obtain the full water rights. Furthermore, potential demand
from LMWD was not included in the assessment, as they have an interruptible wholesale
Page 174 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-17
agreement with the City which is a secondary priority to the City’s demand. Currently, the City’s interties with
the City of Tacoma provide additional wholesale water for purchase if necessary to meet demands, however
the City has not purchased water from Tacoma since 2016.
The City has established a policy of maintaining the capability to supply the MDD while the largest water
source is out of service. The system analysis documented in Chapter 3 confirms that with projected demands
over the 20-year planning period, the City will maintain the capability to meet MDD if the largest pumping
source is out of service. This evaluation includes the Tacoma interties as available sources to meet this need
and excludes the capacity of facilities that are offline or not operational.
Of the twelve sources, only Wells 5 and 7 are currently without a standby power source. Standby power will
be added to Wells 5 and 7 as part of CIP projects discussed in Chapter 8. The Fulmer Field Corrosion Control
Treatment Facility has backup power.
The Game Farm Park Pump Station, Lea Hill BPS, and Intertie Pump Station are the only pump stations without
a standby power source or connection. Backup power will be added to the Lea Hill BPS as part of a capital
project discussed further in Chapter 8. The City is currently installing temporary back-up power at the Intertie
Pump Station by utilizing the generator previously utilities at Academy Pump Station 1 and Academy Pump
Station 2, as these facilities were recently replaced by Academy Pump Station 3. The Intertie Pump Station
back-up generator is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2024. The Game Farm Park Pump Station is
a small facility that serves a recreational area and does not serve residential or commercial properties,
therefore back-up power is not a critical element.
2.6.1 Use Impacts on Instream Flows
New water right appropriations in the Green-Duwamish Basin are subject to instream flow (ISF) regulations
as described in the CMP and WAC 173-509. These ISF are senior to the City’s recent water rights application
G1-28404. This requires mitigation for potential impacts to the Green River when instream flows are not met,
such as predicting when streamflow will drop below ISFs as well as determining the lag time associated with
impacts to instream flows from groundwater withdrawals. The CMP includes the following detailed
description of the streamflow characteristics:
“A review of historical streamflow data indicates that on average streamflow’s are below
the ISFs at the Auburn gauge approximately 20 percent of the time (Table 3). Streamflow’s
are generally more often below the minimum ISFs during the summer months, falling below
the minimum ISFs 35 percent to 61 percent of the time between June and September. The
flows are frequently above the minimum ISFs during the spring and winter months but can
drop to below ISFs at any time of the year. For example, in April, streamflow falls below the
minimum ISFs approximately 3 percent of the time (4.1.2).”
The City’s current rights are senior to the instream rights and therefore not effected by the instream flow
limitations, however as stewards of the watershed, the City has an aggressive water use efficiency program
described in Chapter 4 meant to limit the volume of withdrawals, especially during the dry season. The City
has a minor surplus of both annual volume withdrawn (Qa) and maximum instantaneous flow rate withdrawn
(Qi) to meet MDD through the 20-year planning period. However, several facility improvements are required
to make the withdrawals feasible.
2.6.2 Wholesale Interties
The City has three wholesale interties, described below and in further detail in Section 1.6.2.
Page 175 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-18
City of Algona
The City has supplied water to Algona on a regular basis since 1996, when interlocal agreement IA3 was
negotiated. A superseded agreement, IA3A, was negotiated in October 2002 which reflects the current status.
The agreement will remain unless terminated by mutual agreement of the City and Algona. Currently, Algona
is served through the metered Boeing Welded Duct Intertie and by two eight-inch, manually operated meter
stations located at Boundary Boulevard and Industry Drive North, and at Boundary Boulevard and Milwaukee
Avenue.
LMWD
An intertie between the City and LMWD was constructed in 1996 as part of IA2 to enable LMWD to purchase
water from the City. The manually operated intertie also allows the City to provide an emergency supply to
Kent’s East Hill Service Area. The City agreed to provide up to 2.5 MGD average day and 5.0 MGD maximum
day use. A provision of the agreement calls for LMWD to send an emergency supply of water to the City when
needed for the Lea Hill Service Area. The IA2 agreement also included several improvements to allow delivery
of water:
The Green River Pump Station and pipelines to deliver additional water into the Lea Hill Service Area
The Intertie Pump Station and pipelines to deliver water from the Lea Hill Service Area to LMWD
Construction of two additional wells (Wells 6 and 7).
LMWD discontinued regular purchase of water from the City in 2017 per the amendment to IA2, however
LMWD still maintains the intertie with the City to use as a wholesale water supply on an as-needed basis. This
interlocal agreement has a term of sixty years, commencing in 2017.
City of Tacoma
In 2012, Tacoma agreed to provide water to the City in the quantity of up to 1.0 MGD average day use, 1.8
MGD peak day use, and 1.62 MGD four-day peak use. Two interties were constructed to supply the City’s
Valley pressure zone: located at 3200 B Street NW and 29600 132nd Avenue SE in Auburn. In 2014, Tacoma
amended and restated the 2012 agreement with the City to provide a total of 3.5 mgd (2,430 gpm) of average
use and 5.12 mgd (3,555 gpm) of peak use from the interties. The B Street NW remotely operated intertie is
limited to a maximum flowrate of 2,200 gpm and the 132nd Avenue SE Intertie is limited to a maximum
flowrate of 4,500 gpm. This agreement will remain in force as long as the City of Tacoma remains in the
business of providing water, however the City has not purchased water for consumption from the City of
Tacoma since 2016.
2.6.3 Emergency Interties
Emergency interties are an important tool that helps water utilities increase reliability and respond to
emergencies. The City has emergency interties with seven water systems, as described in Section 1.6.2 and
summarized in Table 1-3.
2.6.4 Potential Interties
The City has an interest in acquiring additional interties that would enhance the reliability of water service in
the City and among adjacent purveyors. Tacoma Public Utilities constructed the Second Supply Pipeline
Project, which runs through the north end of the City’s RWSA between 30th and 37th Streets NE. In addition
Page 176 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-19
to the B Street NW and 132nd Avenue SE interties, a third turnout was constructed as part of the pipeline
project in the Valley Service Area. The City does not currently plan to develop this turnout but may do so in
the future.
2.7 Future Population Projections and Land Use
2.7.1 Demographic Forecast
Demographic forecasts provide an estimate of future population and employment. The City is a member of
the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), which develops demographic analyses for the central Puget Sound
region (King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Snohomish County). The demographic projections are
developed based on local planned development capacities and regional policies adopted by the PSRC Vision
2050. Vision 2050 established the region’s strategy for accommodating population and employment growth
to maintain the high quality of living, economic prosperity, and a healthy environment through the year 2050.
Through this planning process, the City is required to plan for a specific number of additional housing units
and jobs.
Consistent with the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), the City uses the Vision 2050 growth
values as the basis of the demographic projections.
Demographic projections are based on the PSRC‘s 2044 forecasts for housing, population, and employment
for each Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) within the City’s RWSA, as the City’s policy is to serve all
customers within its RWSA. Additional information on the City’s existing land use, future zoning, demographic
projections, and corresponding rates of growth are detailed in this Section.
2.7.2 Future Land Use and Zoning
Land use and zoning regulations provide important information in determining future water requirements.
Land use and zoning determines the area available for various types of development including both SFR and
MFR development, as well as commercial and other types of land use that provide the economic base
necessary to support residential development. The housing, population and employment projections
developed for the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan are based on the employment and housing targets
provided by King and Pierce counties that the City must accommodate over the 20-year planning horizon.
This consistent approach is encouraged by the Washington State GMA and should result in predictable and
stable land uses over longer planning periods.
Future land use and zoning designations for the City’s RWSA are shown on the Comprehensive Zoning Map
provided as Figure 2-5. Zoning designations implement the land use identified in the City’s Comprehensive
Plan; therefore, the current land use reflects the City’s historical zoning. House Bill 1337 and House Bill 1110,
both effective as of July 2023, are geared at expanding housing options. As such, the City has adopted future
zoning to allow for accessory dwelling units within areas previously dedicated to single-family detached
housing. Table 2-13 summarizes the updating zoning designations and fire flow requirements. Note that the
required fire flow in some zoning designations will be determined on a case-by-case basis pending
development or re-development type.
The City includes a wide range of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial land uses. Public and
quasi-public land uses include parks, open space, and public recreation as well as institutional uses such as
schools. Commercial and industrial uses occur primarily in the Valley Service Area; however, large areas of
residential land use and the Downtown Urban Center (DUC) also exist in the Valley Service Area.
Page 177 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-20
The Academy and Lakeland Service Areas are primarily residential, although some commercial zoning is
located along Auburn Way South (SR 164) in the Academy Service Area. The Lea Hill Service Area is also
primarily residential although other uses include small amounts of commercial and open space, and Green
River College.
Areas within the RWSA, but outside the City limits, are governed by King County zoning. Land use was
assumed to be consistent with zoning in these areas. The area in the northwest corner of the RWSA, west of
SR167 and north of S 287th Street is zoned for Agriculture. A second area is located near Auburn Narrows
State Park, which is north and west of SR18. This area includes Rural Residential, as well as Park and Greenbelt
zoning. The City does not currently provide service in this area; however, it is willing to provide service to
customers meeting the Service Area Policies. There are two additional unincorporated “pockets” of urban
residential zoning within the RWSA that the City currently serves, where the southern area also contains a
single parcel of Industrial zoning. The King County zoning was used in the demographic analyses.
Page 178 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-21
Figure 2-5 | Comprehensive Future Land Use and Zoning Map
Page 179 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-22
Table 2-13 | Updated Zoning Districts and Fire Flow Requirements
Zoning District Land Use Definition
Fire Flow
Requirement
(gpm)
RC RESIDENTIAL
CONSERVANCY
Residential
Conservancy No change 1,500
R-1 RESIDENTIAL 1 DU/ACRE Neighborhood
Residential One No change 1,500
R-10 PLUS1 Neighborhood
Residential Two
Single family, townhouse, duplex,
triplex, fourplex, two-story stacked flats,
cottage housing-4-6 units/lot ADUs
1,500 - 2,500
R-16 PLUS Neighborhood
Residential Two
R-10, plus five-plex, six-plex, 3 story
stacked flats, courtyard apartments,
apartment buildings and mixed use up
to 20 units ADUs
2,500
R-20 PLUS Neighborhood
Residential Three
R-16 plus apartment buildings, and
mixed use over 20 units ADUs 2,500
R-NM NEIGHBORHOOD
MIXED-USE Mixed Use R-16 and C-1 Uses + Mixed-use
(horizontal or vertical) encouraged 2,500
R-MHC RESIDENTIAL
MANUFACTURED/MOBILE
HOME COMMUNITY
Neighborhood
Residential Three No change 2,500
RO RESIDENTIAL OFFICE Mixed Use Smaller scale R-NM with emphasis on
conversion of existing structure 2,500
C-1 LIGHT COMMERCIAL
DISTRICT Commercial Generally the same as existing 2,500
C-2 HEAVY COMMERCIAL
DISTRICT Commercial Generally the same as existing 2,500
AUBURN GATEWAY DISTRICT Mixed Use North Auburn Subarea Use 2,500
M-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT Industrial Generally the same as existing 2,500
M-2 HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT Industrial Generally the same as existing 2,500
AIRPORT ZONE Industrial No change 2,500
P1 PUBLIC USE DISTRICT Public/Quasi-Public Public schools, recreational spaces,
police stations, fire stations, cemeteries 2,500
I INSTITUTIONAL USE
DISTRICT Public/Quasi-Public Private schools, Green River College,
large campus development 2,500
OS OPEN SPACE Open Space No change -
DUC - DOWNTOWN URBAN
CENTER 125
Downtown Urban
Center
DUC with up to 125-ft tall buildings
where permitted 2,500
DUC - DOWNTOWN URBAN
CENTER 75
Downtown Urban
Center
DUC with up to 75-ft tall buildings
where permitted 2,500
DUC - DOWNTOWN URBAN
CENTER 55
Downtown Urban
Center
DUC with up to 55-ft tall buildings
where permitted 2,500
Page 180 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-23
Zoning District Land Use Definition
Fire Flow
Requirement
(gpm)
DUC - NEIGHBORHOOD
RESIDENTIAL
Downtown Urban
Center Mixed-use and R-15 2,500
DUC - HEALTH AND
WELLNESS 125
Downtown Urban
Center R-OH-MultiCare Zone 2,500
DUC - FLEX RESIDENTIAL Downtown Urban
Center
RO with permitted specific industrial
uses (craft workshops, breweries,
coffee, etc.)
2,500
LAKELAND HILLS SOUTH
SPECIAL PLAN AREA – PUD1
Neighborhood
Residential Two 1,500-2,500
AIRPORT LANDING FIELD
DISTRICT Industrial 2,500
AUBURN GATEWAY DISTRICT Mixed Use 2,500
DUC - I INSTITUTIONAL Downtown Urban
Center 2,500
DUC - M-1 LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
Downtown Urban
Center 2,500
I INSTITUTIONAL Public/Quasi-Public 2,500
PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT1 Varies by location 1,500-2,500
TERRACE VIEW DISTRICT Commercial 2,500
UNCLASSIFIED USE DISTRICT1 Varies by location 1,500-2,500
Note:
1.Required fire flow will be determined on a case-by-case basis pending development or re-development type.
2.7.3 Projected Demographic Growth
Many factors influence population growth including the state of the economy, interest rates, annexation of
adjacent areas, and up-zoning for new development. Growth management policies, along with coordination
between local governments, should make development more predictable and growth projections more
accurate than they have been historically. The City’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as this Plan, are key
documents to aid the City in preparing for the predicted growth. However, it is common for actual growth
rates to vary from those predicted. In addition, growth rates will vary between various parts of the City based
on the availability of services and the costs to develop for the zoned use.
Housing, population, and employment projections were used to calculate rates of growth. PSRC’s Vision 2050
requires the City to plan for a given number of additional housing units and jobs. The demographic projections
for population and employment were allocated based on water meter locations within the four Water Service
Areas that comprise the RWSA. Population projections extending beyond the RWSA boundary were modified
or eliminated and are not included in the projections.
2.7.3.1 Demographic Projections
Existing and future demographic projections consistent with the City’s GMA goals were provided by the City
for 2021 and 2044. City planning provided projections of housing, population, and employment growth based
on TAZ data. The intermediate 10-year planning horizon (2034) was interpolated assuming consistent
compounding growth across the planning period.
Page 181 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-24
The projections were further delineated by Service Area, as growth is expected to vary due to zoning,
availability of vacant or re-developable land, existing and proposed infrastructure, etc. Demographic growth
rates, rather than total number of people or employed people, were used to develop demand projections.
The resulting demographic growth rates as a compounding annual percentage are presented in Table 2-14.
Total population is projected to annually increase by 1.5 percent from 2021 to 2044 and total employment is
projected to increase by 1.9 percent annually over the same period. Overall, the City is planning for an
additional 24,987 people and 20,525 employed people by 2044 within the RWSA.
Table 2-14 | Growth Rates by Customer Class and Service Area
Total Growth from 2021 to 2044
(Housing Units/Population)
Total Growth from
2021 to 2044 (%)
Annual Average
Compounding Growth (%)
Single-Family Unit Projections
Lea Hill 201 5.9%0.248%
Valley 275 5.3%0.223%
Lakeland 534 27.0%1.043%
Academy 436 36.3%1.355%
Multi-Family Unit Projections
Lea Hill 254 12.6%0.518%
Valley 7,862 77.1%2.515%
Lakeland 1,003 55.7%1.943%
Academy 124 10.4%0.433%
Population Projections
Lea Hill 1,245 8.2%0.343%
Valley 18,009 44.1%1.602%
Lakeland 4,113 39.4%1.456%
Academy 1,621 24.6%0.962%
Employment Projections
Lea Hill 484 30.6%1.168%
Valley 18,692 43.8%1.586%
Lakeland 171 31.1%1.172%
Academy 1,178 77.8%0.316%
Table 2-15 summarizes the calculated demographic projections for population or employment projections by
Service Area for each category when applying the growth rates from Table 2-14.
Table 2-15| Population and Employment Projections Calculated by Service Area
2024 2034 2044
Single-Family Population
Lea Hill 10,498 10,864 11,243
Valley 19,889 23,315 27,330
Lakeland 4,394 5,077 5,866
Academy 5,009 5,512 6,066
Subtotal 39,789 44,767 50,505
Multi-Family Population
Lea Hill 5,341 5,527 5,719
Page 182 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-25
2024 2034 2044
Valley 25,203 29,544 34,633
Lakeland 3,454 3,991 4,612
Academy 1,535 1,689 1,859
Subtotal 35,533 40,752 46,824
Total Population
Lea Hill 15,839 16,391 16,962
Valley 45,092 52,859 61,964
Lakeland 7,848 9,068 10,478
Academy 6,544 7,201 7,925
Subtotal 75,323 85,519 97,328
Employment
Lea Hill 1,720 1,932 2,170
Valley 46,946 54,948 64,313
Lakeland 596 669 752
Academy 1,605 1,656 1,709
Subtotal 50,867 59,205 68,944
The demographic growth for each Service Area is shown in Figure 2-6, Figure 2-7, and Figure 2-8, where single
family population, multi-family population, and employment population growth are each presented in a
different graph. The figures show the anticipated variability in growth between the Service Areas. For
example, employment growth rate (percentage) is projected to be greater in the Valley Service Area than the
other Services Areas between 2024 and 2044. Since the Valley Service Area has a much greater magnitude of
population and employment than the other Service Areas, minor differences in growth projection
percentages results in larger increases in total population and employment numbers. The Valley Service Area
is projected to represent 64 percent of the system’s population and 93 percent of the system’s employment
in 2044.
Page 183 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-26
Figure 2-6 | Single Family Population Projections by Service Area
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill Valley Lakeland Academy
Single Family Population Projections by Service Area
PopulationPage 184 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-27
Figure 2-7 | Multi-Family Population Projections by Service Area
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill Valley Lakeland Academy
Multi-Family Population Projections by Service Area
PopulationPage 185 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-28
Figure 2-8 | Employment Projections by Service Area
Areas anticipated to have higher than average population and employment growth through 2044, termed
“Growth Centers” identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, are presented in Figure 2-9. Demand in each
Service Area was modified during the system analysis to reflect focus growth in the areas identified in Figure
2-9, matching the population and employment growth projection data.
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill Valley Lakeland AcademyEmployment
Page 186 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-29
Figure 2-9 | Map of Projected Areas with Greatest Population Growth
Page 187 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-30
2.8 Future Water Demand
2.8.1 Projected Number of Connections
The number of water connections was used in determining the ERU, ADD, and MDD projections. The number
of water connections in the future was projected using the demographic growth rates presented in Table 2-
14 and the number of existing water accounts presented in Table 2-2. The projected future connections by
both Service Area and customer classification are presented in Table 2-16.
The respective housing unit growth rates for each Service Area were used to calculate projected SFR
and MFR connections.
The School connections were projected by multiplying the percentage of the City population aged 5-
19 (22%) by population growth rates for each Service Area.
The projected employment growth rates were used to calculate future Commercial, Municipal (City
Accounts), and Irrigation connections.
The City’s largest user (Boeing) is not included in Table 2-16, their projections are based on individual
demand and are presented separately. Boeing also accounts for the only Manufacturing and
Industrial connections within the City.
Wholesale customers are not included in Table 2-16, their projections are based on individual
demand and are presented separately.
Table 2-16| Connection Projections by Customer Classification and Service Area
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill
Single-Family Residential 3,265 3,347 3,431
Multi-Family Residential 167 176 186
Commercial 22 24 27
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 11 11 11
Municipal (City Accounts)1 1 1
Irrigation 61 69 78
Valley
Single-Family Residential 5,954 6,088 6,226
Multi-Family Residential 807 1,035 1,327
Commercial 1,272 1,489 1,743
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 37 38 40
Municipal (City Accounts)32 38 45
Irrigation 532 622 729
Lakeland
Single-Family Residential 1,354 1,502 1,666
Multi-Family Residential 109 132 161
Commercial 34 39 43
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 9 9 9
Page 188 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-31
2024 2034 2044
Municipal (City Accounts)---
Irrigation 21 23 26
Academy
Single-Family Residential 1,581 1,808 2,069
Multi-Family Residential 47 49 51
Commercial 14 14 15
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 2 2 2
Municipal (City Accounts)1 1 1
Irrigation 34 35 36
Total
Single-Family Residential 12,153 12,745 13,391
Multi-Family Residential 1,131 1,393 1,725
Commercial 1,342 1,566 1,828
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 59 60 62
Municipal (City Accounts)35 40 47
Irrigation 648 750 868
2.8.1.1 Lea Hill Service Area
The Lea Hill Service Area is located east of the Auburn-Kent Valley and the Green River. The area is mostly
residential with supportive neighborhood businesses. Green River College is in the Lea Hill Service Area and
has a concentration of multi-family residential units in the vicinity of the college.
The Lea Hill service area is projected to have the lowest growth rate in population with a 0.3 percent per year
average increase from 2021 to 2044. This Service Area is projected to have a moderate growth in employment
with a 1.2 percent growth per year from 2021 to 2044.
2.8.1.2 Valley Service Area
The Valley Service Area contains a significant amount of developable land designated as multi-family and
commercial, including the Downtown Urban Center. The Service Area is projected to have the highest growth
rate in population at 1.6 percent per year from 2021 to 2044. The multi-family connections in this area are
projected to grow 2.5 percent per year from 2021 to 2044 and employment is projected to grow 1.6 percent
per year. These growth projections are based on the City’s anticipation of growth trends and the
redevelopment of Auburn’s Downtown Urban Center, as well as commercial developments in locations with
available space throughout the Service Area.
2.8.1.3 Lakeland Service Area
The Lakeland Service Area includes the entire City south of the White River. A sizable portion of this Service
Area is designated residential conservancy land use, which is anticipated to be developed within the planning
horizon related to the anticipated closure of the Segale Gravel Pit. The area includes proposed special
planning areas for Stuck River Road and Mount Rainier Vista anticipated to be developed with a moderate
population growth rate of 1.5 percent per year. This Service Area is projected to have a moderate growth in
employment with a 1.2 percent growth per year from 2021 to 2044.
Page 189 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-32
2.8.1.4 Academy Service Area
The Academy Service Area is a well-developed portion of the City. It is expected to have a population growth
of 1.0 percent per year from 2021 to 2044. This Service Area is projected to have minimal growth in
employment with a 0.3 percent per year increase from 2021 to 2044.
2.8.2 Projected Water Demand
Projecting future water demand is one of the key elements of the water system planning process.
Identification of system improvements such as supply, pumping, storage, and piping requirements are all
related to demand projections. This section summarizes the ERU, ADD, and MDD projections, as well as the
potential range in future demands associated with various factors, such as water use per ERU, DSL, and
demographic growth rate.
2.8.2.1 Potential Range in Future Water Demand
Several factors and assumptions affect the accuracy of projected future water demands. Recognizing that
certain assumptions built into the demand projections will vary in the future, the projections were developed
for medium and high demand scenarios to provide a range in demands that may be experienced in the future.
The medium projection will be used for the system analysis in Chapter 3, while the high projection will be
used for the water right evaluation in Chapter 5. The system analysis determines future pumping, storage,
and distribution system deficiencies and identifies potential improvements to achieve the City’s established
capacity criteria. The water right evaluation looks at both water rights and overall supply capacity. Only the
medium projections are presented within this Chapter. The variables considered in developing the range of
demand projections are summarized in Table 2-17 and are discussed below.
Future Water Connections: The future water connections are presented in Table 2-16 and were used
for both demand scenarios.
Water Use Per ERUADD: Water use per ERU for the average demand day projections are based on the
75th percentile of the historical data, which is the medium demand scenario, presented in Table 2-4.
This value equals 182 gpd per ERU. The high demand scenario used the highest annual value from
the data set presented in Table 2-4, which equals 193 gpd per ERU.
ERUs per Account: The historical ERU per account by customer classification presented in Table 2-4
was used to develop demand projections. The ERU per Account values are based on the 75th
percentile of the historical data and a water use per ERU value of 182 gpd per ERU. These values are
used in both projections.
Distribution System Leakage: Historical annual DSL varied between 0.7 and 8.5 percent of the City’s
total City production between 2015 and 2022. The average three-year rolling average of historical
DSL values of 5.3 percent is utilized in the medium demand scenario and the maximum three-year
rolling average of 7.2 percent was used for the high demand scenario.
Authorized Unbilled Consumption: Historical annual authorized unbilled consumption varied
between 0.14 and 0.54 percent of the City’s total billed consumption between 2015 and 2022. The
75th percentile value of 0.27 percent is utilized in the medium demand scenario and the maximum
values of 0.54 percent is used for the high demand scenario.
Water Use Per ERUMDD: Water use per ERU for the maximum demand day projections are based on
75th percentile of the historical data, which is the medium demand scenario, presented in Table 2-10
Page 190 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-33
0. This value equals 358 gpd per ERU. The high demand scenario used the highest annual value from
the data set presented in Table 2-10, which is 393 gpd per ERU.
MDD/ADD Peaking Factor: The MDD/ADD peaking factor varied by 66 percent between 2015 and
2022. The 75th percentile of historical annual peaking factors of 1.96 is utilized in the medium
demand scenario. The highest value in the historical annual peaking factor data set was used for the
high demand scenario, which is 2.15.
The City’s largest user (Boeing) and wholesale customers are not included in Table 2-17, their projections are
based on individual demand and are presented separately.
Table 2-17 | Proposed Planning Values for Demand Projections
Assumptions Medium Demand Scenario High Demand Scenario
Water Demand per ERUADD (gpd)182 193
DSL 5.3%7.2%
Authorized Unbilled 0.27%0.54%
Water Demand per ERUMDD (gpd)358 393
MDD/ADD Peaking Factor 1.96 2.15
2.8.3 Large User Demand Forecast
The large user term is used to identify customers consuming the greatest volume of water on an annual basis
as presented in Table 2-6. Projections for the City’s single largest user (Boeing) is separated from the demand
forecasts to aid in accurate forecasting and in the system analyses. The forecasts were based on historical
water use data from 2015 through 2022 and is presented in Table 2-18. The projected demand will use the
75th percentile of water use from the historical period of record. Boeing’s consumption has trended down
over the historical period of record, therefore, the projected demand is conservative and actual consumption
is anticipated to be less than the value presented in Table 2-18.
Wholesale connections are also projected separately in Table 2-22. The remaining largest users are not
presented separately in demand forecasts; their projected consumption is built into the overall Service Area
projections by customer classification.
Table 2-18 | Large User Demand Projections
Large
User Customer Class Service Area
Representative
Historical Water
Use Statistic1
Representative
Annual Water Use
(MG)2
Projected ERUs in
2044
Boeing Manufacturing
Commercial Valley 75th percentile 210.6 3,168
Notes:
1. Historical water use data from 2015 through 2022
2. Based on representative historical water use statistic.
2.8.4 Projected Retail ERUs
Future water system demands are based on projected ERUs, which in turn are based on the projected water
consumption by customer classification and the projected number of accounts discussed earlier in this
chapter. Table 2-19 shows the projected ERUs for the City’s individual service areas over the planning period.
The projected number of ERUs for each Service Area was calculated by multiplying the projected numb
Page 191 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-34
er of accounts, provided in Table 2-16, by the number of ERUs per account, as summarized in Table 2-3, for
each customer class. Wholesale customer demand in terms of ERUs is not included in the demand projections
below and must be added separately as show in Table 2-23.
Table 2-19 | ERU Projections by Customer Class and Service Area
2024 ERU 2034 ERU 2044 ERU
Lea Hill
Single-Family Residential 3,265 3,347 3,431
Multi-Family Residential 1,379 1,452 1,529
Commercial 128 143 161
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 127 128 129
Municipal (City Accounts)2 3 3
Irrigation 319 358 402
Authorized Unbilled 14 15 15
DSL 276 288 299
Valley
Single-Family Residential 5,954 6,088 6,226
Multi-Family Residential 6,652 8,528 10,933
Commercial 7,554 8,841 10,348
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 435 451 467
Municipal (City Accounts)70 82 96
Irrigation 2,758 3,228 3,778
Boeing (Largest User)3,170 3,170 3,170
Authorized Unbilled 56 66 78
DSL 1,407 1,608 1,853
Lakeland
Single-Family Residential 1,354 1,502 1,666
Multi-Family Residential 900 1,091 1,323
Commercial 204 230 258
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 102 106 109
Municipal (City Accounts)---
Irrigation 108 121 136
Authorized Unbilled 7 8 9
DSL 141 161 185
Academy
Single-Family Residential 1,581 1,808 2,069
Multi-Family Residential 388 405 423
Commercial 81 84 86
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 25 26 27
Municipal (City Accounts)2 2 2
Irrigation 174 179 185
Authorized Unbilled 6 7 8
DSL 119 133 148
Total
Single-Family Residential 12,153 12,745 13,391
Page 192 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-35
Multi-Family Residential 9,320 11,477 14,209
Commercial 7,967 9,298 10,853
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 690 711 732
Municipal (City Accounts)74 87 101
Irrigation 3,359 3,887 4,502
Boeing (Largest User)3,170 3,170 3,170
Authorized Unbilled 83 96 110
DSL 1,944 2,189 2,485
City of Algona Firm
Wholesale Refer to Table 2-23.
2.8.5 Projected Retail Average Day and Maximum Day Demands
The ADD projections include the projected customer demands by customer classification, authorized unbilled
consumption, and DSL by service area. The resulting ADD projections are summarized in Table 2-20.
Customer demands by classification were calculated by multiplying the projected ERUs summarized
in Table 2-19 by the average ERU water use (182 gpd/ERU).
Authorized unbilled consumption projections were calculated by multiplying the sum of all customer
classification use by the medium demand scenario percentage presented in Table 2-17.
DSL consumption projections were calculated by multiplying the sum of all customer classification
use and authorized unbilled use by the medium demand scenario percentage presented in Table 2-
17 for DSL.
Table 2-20 | ADD Projections
2024 (mgd)2034 (mgd)2044 (mgd)
Lea Hill
Single-Family Residential 0.595 0.610 0.625
Multi-Family Residential 0.251 0.265 0.279
Commercial 0.023 0.026 0.029
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 0.023 0.023 0.023
Municipal (City Accounts)--0.001
Irrigation 0.058 0.065 0.073
Authorized Unbilled 0.003 0.003 0.003
DSL 0.050 0.052 0.055
Valley
Single-Family Residential 1.084 1.109 1.134
Multi-Family Residential 1.212 1.553 1.991
Commercial 1.376 1.610 1.885
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 0.079 0.082 0.085
Municipal (City Accounts)0.013 0.015 0.017
Irrigation 0.502 0.588 0.688
Boeing (Largest User)0.577 0.577 0.577
Page 193 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-36
2024 (mgd)2034 (mgd)2044 (mgd)
Authorized Unbilled 0.010 0.012 0.014
DSL 0.256 0.293 0.337
Lakeland
Single-Family Residential 0.247 0.274 0.303
Multi-Family Residential 0.164 0.199 0.241
Commercial 0.037 0.042 0.047
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 0.019 0.019 0.020
Municipal (City Accounts)---
Irrigation 0.020 0.022 0.025
Authorized Unbilled 0.001 0.002 0.002
DSL 0.026 0.029 0.034
Academy
Single-Family Residential 0.288 0.329 0.377
Multi-Family Residential 0.071 0.074 0.077
Commercial 0.015 0.015 0.016
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 0.005 0.005 0.005
Municipal (City Accounts)---
Irrigation 0.032 0.033 0.034
Authorized Unbilled 0.001 0.001 0.001
DSL 0.022 0.024 0.027
Total
Single-Family Residential 2.214 2.321 2.439
Multi-Family Residential 1.698 2.091 2.588
Commercial 1.451 1.694 1.977
Manufacturing/Industrial ---
Schools 0.126 0.129 0.133
Municipal (City Accounts)0.014 0.016 0.018
Irrigation 0.612 0.708 0.820
Boeing (Largest User)0.577 0.577 0.577
Authorized Unbilled 0.015 0.017 0.020
DSL 0.354 0.399 0.453
The MDD projections include the projected customer demands by customer classification, authorized
unbilled consumption, and DSL by service area and are summarized in Table 2-21.
Customer demands by classification, authorized unbilled consumption projections, and DSL
projections were calculated by multiplying the ADD projections as summarized in Table 2-20 by the
MDD/ADD Peaking Factor presented in Table 2-17.
Table 2-21 | MDD Projections
2024 (mgd)2034 (mgd)2044 (mgd)
Lea Hill
Single-Family Residential 1.167 1.197 1.227
Multi-Family Residential 0.493 0.519 0.547
Commercial 0.046 0.051 0.058
Manufacturing/Industrial - - -
Page 194 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-37
2024 (mgd)2034 (mgd)2044 (mgd)
Schools 0.045 0.046 0.046
Municipal (City Accounts) 0.001 0.001 0.001
Irrigation 0.114 0.128 0.144
Authorized Unbilled 0.005 0.005 0.005
DSL 0.099 0.103 0.107
Valley
Single-Family Residential 2.129 2.177 2.226
Multi-Family Residential 2.379 3.049 3.909
Commercial 2.701 3.161 3.700
Manufacturing/Industrial - - -
Schools 0.156 0.161 0.167
Municipal (City Accounts) 0.025 0.029 0.034
Irrigation 0.986 1.154 1.351
Boeing (Largest User) 1.134 1.134 1.134
Authorized Unbilled 0.020 0.024 0.028
DSL 0.503 0.575 0.663
Lakeland
Single-Family Residential 0.484 0.537 0.596
Multi-Family Residential 0.322 0.390 0.473
Commercial 0.073 0.082 0.092
Manufacturing/Industrial - - -
Schools 0.037 0.038 0.039
Municipal (City Accounts) - - -
Irrigation 0.039 0.043 0.049
Authorized Unbilled 0.003 0.003 0.003
DSL 0.051 0.058 0.066
Academy
Single-Family Residential 0.565 0.647 0.740
Multi-Family Residential 0.139 0.145 0.151
Commercial 0.029 0.030 0.031
Manufacturing/Industrial - - -
Schools 0.009 0.009 0.010
Municipal (City Accounts) 0.001 0.001 0.001
Irrigation 0.062 0.064 0.066
Authorized Unbilled 0.002 0.002 0.003
DSL 0.043 0.047 0.053
Total
Single-Family Residential 4.346 4.557 4.788
Multi-Family Residential 3.333 4.104 5.081
Commercial 2.849 3.325 3.881
Manufacturing/Industrial - - -
Schools 0.247 0.254 0.262
Municipal (City Accounts) 0.027 0.031 0.036
Irrigation 1.201 1.390 1.610
Boeing (Largest User) 1.134 1.134 1.134
Authorized Unbilled 0.030 0.034 0.039
DSL 0.695 0.783 0.889
Page 195 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-38
2.8.6 Wholesale Demands
The City currently has a wholesale water contract with the City of Algona. The City is also planning to supply
wholesale water for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s future fish hatchery. As stated in the Retail Water Service
Policy, “the City will plan for and provide water service to all retail customers and wholesale customers with
firm contracts. As supply permits, the City may provide water to wholesale customers without firm contracts
unilaterally or as part of a capital improvement partnership agreement.” The wholesale demands for the City
are shown in Table 2-22.
Algona’s current agreement allows for the sale of up to 525,000 gallons per day on a firm basis for the ADD
and up to 1,114,00 gallons per day on a firm basis for the MDD. In 2022, Algona purchased an average of
342,953 gallons per day of water from the City. Algona’s 2022 Water System Plan (WSP) projects 2042 ADD
to be 404,278 gallons per day and 2042 MDD to be 766,137 gallons per day. Algona’s WSP demand
projections were used for projecting the wholesale water purchases by Algona, rather than the contractual
amount, as shown in Table 2-22.
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe plans to develop a fish hatchery on the White River. An agreement dated from 1986
(included in Appendix G) requires that the City provide the tribe with an average annual demand of 3.9 cubic
feet per second (cfs) (2.52 mgd) from Coal Creek Springs for MIT’s future fishery enhancement purposes. The
agreement does not specify an MDD but rather states:
“The Tribe and the City agree to work in harmony toward a mutually satisfactory allocation of the Coal Creek
waters. In furtherance of this goal, the City understands that the water requirements for fishery enhancement
purposes are greatest in the winter and spring months. Accordingly, the City agrees to increase the amount
of water above 3.9 cfs as needed for fishery purposes. The Tribe understands that the City’s requirement for
water for domestic use is greatest in the summer and fall months. Accordingly, the Tribe agrees to decrease
its use of water below 3.9 cfs, as needed for domestic water purposes…It is further understood that the tribe
requires a minimum of 3 cfs at all times for fishery enhancement purposes”.
The intent of this agreement indicates that the MIT demand will be at a minimum when the City’s demands
are at their maximum. Based on this understanding, the planned MDD for the MIT is 1.5 mgd and the ADD
was 2.5 mgd. For planning purposes, the MIT demand was added to the Algona demand and included in the
“Retail + firm wholesale” group of demands.
LMWD has an interruptible (non-firm) wholesale contract that can be terminated at any time and is therefore
represented separately. As discussed in the Historical Wholesale Consumption section, LMWD discontinued
regular purchase of water from the City in 2017 per the amendment to IA2 but maintains an intertie with the
City to use wholesale water supply on an as-needed basis. LMWD may purchase up to 2.5 mgd of wholesale
water per IA2. The contract does not have an expiration date and therefore 2.5 mgd of interruptible wholesale
demand is projected through 2044.
Page 196 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-39
Table 2-22 | Wholesale Demand Projections
Wholesale Customer Service Area Contractual Delivery1 2024
(mgd)2034 (mgd)2044
(mgd)2
ADD
Algona Valley Firm 0.37 0.39 0.41
MIT Valley Firm 2.5 2.5 2.5
LMWD Lea Hill Non-Firm 2.5 2.5 2.5
MDD
Algona Valley Firm 0.69 0.73 0.78
MIT Valley Firm 1.5 1.5 1.5
LMWD Lea Hill Non-firm 2.5 2.5 2.5
Notes:
1. The City will plan for and provide water services to all retail customers and wholesale customers with firm contracts. As supply permits, the City
may provide water to wholesale customers without firm contracts unilaterally or as part of a CIP agreement.
2. Algona’s projections are provided through 2042; their projected rate increase was used to project consumption to 2044.
2.8.7 Total Demands
The total projected demands are tabulated for retail customers, firm wholesale, and interruptible wholesale
in Table 2-23. The demands are presented separately to show the level of obligation to the City’s customers.
Projected retail ADD, MDD, and ERUs are presented by Service Area for the medium demand scenario.
Additionally, the ADD and MDD are presented as the total of the projected retail demand and firm wholesale.
The retail with firm wholesale represents the projected demand that is used as the basis for the system
analysis and are shown in Figure 2-10. The difference between the historical and projected wholesale
demands is due to the projected allocation of the supply to the proposed MIT Fish Hatchery, per the 1986
Stipulation Settlement Agreement. Additionally, both CWD and LMWD discontinued regular purchase of
water from the City in 2017.
The 2044 retail ADD demand is projected to 9.24 mgd, which represents a 28 percent increase from 2024.
Throughout the planning period, approximately 40 percent of the City’s demand may be from wholesale
purchases when both firm and interruptible supply are considered. The MDD is projected to increase by 25
percent from 2024 to 2044 for the sum of firm wholesale customers and retail customers.
Page 197 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-40
Table 2-23 | ADD, MDD, and ERUs Summarized by Service Area with Wholesale Included
2024 2034 2044
Lea Hill
Average Day Demand (mgd)1.00 1.04 1.09
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)1.97 2.05 2.13
Equivalent Residential Units 5,511 5,734 5,970
Valley
Average Day Demand (mgd)5.11 5.84 6.73
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)10.03 11.46 13.21
Equivalent Residential Units 28,055 32,061 36,948
Lakeland
Average Day Demand (mgd)0.51 0.59 0.67
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)1.01 1.15 1.32
Equivalent Residential Units 2,817 3,220 3,687
Academy
Average Day Demand (mgd)0.43 0.48 0.54
Maximum Day Demand (mgd)0.85 0.95 1.05
Equivalent Residential Units 2,377 2,644 2,948
Total Retail Customers
Total Average Day Demand (mgd)7.06 7.95 9.03
Total Maximum Day Demand (mgd)13.86 15.61 17.72
Total Equivalent Residential Units 38,760 43,659 49,553
Retail with Firm Wholesale (Algona and MIT)
Total Average Day Demand (mgd) 9.93 10.84 11.93
Total Maximum Day Demand (mgd) 16.05 17.84 19.99
Retail with Firm & Interruptible Wholesale (Algona, MIT Fish Hatchery, and LMWD)
Average Day Demand (mgd) 12.43 13.34 14.43
Maximum Day Demand (mgd) 18.55 20.34 22.49
Page 198 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Basic Planning Data Page 2-41
Figure 2-10 | Projected Retail Plus Firm Wholesale ADD and MDD
-
5
10
15
20
25
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2034 2044
Historical ADD Historical MDD Projected ADD High Projected MDD High Projected ADD Medium Projected MDD MediumWater Demand (mgd)Year
ProjectedHistorical
Page 199 of 348
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 200 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-1
CHAPTER 3
System Analysis and Asset
Management
This chapter’s objective is to identify existing facilities and determine their capacity to reliably satisfy
current and projected water demands with safe drinking water. The cost of addressing identified
infrastructure deficiencies and operational and maintenance improvements is addressed in priority order
in Chapter 8.
This chapter addresses the following topics:
3.1 Asset Management – Asset Inventory and Analysis
3.2 Water Quality
3.3 Design Standards
3.4 Capacity Analysis
3.5 Summary of System Deficiencies
3.1 Asset Management – Asset Inventory and Analysis
This section establishes a date-based inventory of all system-owned water assets and satisfies the
requirements of WAC 246-290-100(4)e(iii). The City actively assesses and plans for the maintenance, repair,
and replacement of its major assets while preventive maintenance practices keep assets in good condition,
thereby extending their useful life.
The City utilizes Cartegraph, an asset management software program, in conjunction with ESRI ArcGIS, a
geographic information system (GIS) software program to manage its water assets. GIS is updated using
record drawings as projects are completed and Cartegraph is linked to automatically update with new GIS
information. Cartegraph is used to track and schedule maintenance activities, as well as materials, labor
hours, costs and project timelines. Capital costs for the replacement of assets are assessed on a case-by-
case basis.
The City’s water system is comprised of groundwater wells, springs, interties with other water systems,
treatment facilities, pump stations, storage facilities, pressure reducing stations, and water transmission
and distribution pipelines. The City’s water system includes 28 pressure zones in four different service
areas: Lea Hill, Valley, Academy, and Lakeland. The location of major assets and pressure zones are shown
in Figure 3-1. The hydraulic profile of the City’s water system is presented in Figure 3-2, with enlargements
provided as Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4.
Water system vulnerabilities relating to risks from natural hazards, such as power outage, flooding, and
earthquake are detailed in the Natural Hazard Vulnerability Summary, which is provided in Appendix U.
Page 201 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-2
Figure 3-1 | Map of Water System Assets and Pressure Zones
Page 202 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-3
Figure 3-2 | Hydraulic Profile
Page 203 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-4
Figure 3-3 | Hydraulic Profile - Detail A
Page 204 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-5
Figure 3-4 | Hydraulic Profile - Detail B
Page 205 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-6
3.1.1 Distribution Facilities
The City’ water distribution system includes approximately 300 miles of piping. Table 3-1 summarizes the
water piping inventory by size (diameter). The criticality ratings for the system’s pipes are presented in
Table 3-1, as criticality of the pipelines is assessed based on size. Water main and transmission pipelines
vary in diameter from 4 to 36 inches, with a predominance of 8 and 12 inches, and range in age with the
oldest piping dating back to 1925. Approximately 78 percent of the distribution system is ductile iron pipe.
Table 3-1 | Transmission and Distribution System Piping Inventory by Pipe Diameter
Distribution System Piping Diameter
(inches)
Length
(linear feet)
Design Life
(years)
Criticality Rating
(Bigger # = Less Critical)1
≤ 6 189,574
100
4
8-10 681,601 4
12-15 532,953 3
16-20 119,997 3
24-30 15,582 2
36-42 35 2
Unknown 1,380 --
Note:
1. Criticality was assessed based on pipe diameter. Larger diameter pipes were identified as being more critical than smaller diameter pipes.
Table 3-2 organizes water system piping by material and age and identifies the anticipated pipe condition.
Pipe condition was assessed based on pipe age and remining useful life. Cast iron pipe that was installed
after the 1930’s, which constitutes over 48 miles of water mains or 16 percent of the total length of water
mains in the City’s system, was designated to have a significantly reduced design life of 50 years due to
known pipe integrity issues. As such, the City is prioritizing replacement of cast iron pipe and regularly
partners with other City projects to replace this piping efficiently and has capital programs to fund
replacements as discussed further in Chapter 8. Piping that has an unknown material and unknown
installation date will be updated in the City’s GIS system and Cartegraph as more records research is
completed.
In 2014, the City conducted leak detection testing and condition assessment of approximately 2.8 miles of
14 to 24-inch ductile iron and concrete composite pipe. The results indicated that the 20-inch and 16-inch
ductile iron mains in the Lea Hill Service Area range from moderate to good condition. The Coal Creek
Springs concrete composite main was identified as being in good condition. The 14-inch ductile iron main
located in the Academy Service Area was suspected of being in poor condition, however this was later
thought to be in decent condition as more information regarding the pipe material was obtained. A portion
of the 14-inch piping was replaced as part of a roundabout project within Auburn Way S.
In 2020 the City conducted additional leak detection testing and condition assessment of approximately
13,500 feet of 10 to 16-inch cast iron main. With a focus on four specific sites: Auburn Way South, C Street
Southwest, West Hill Springs, and Lea Hill Road. All the pipe on Auburn Way South and Lea Hill Road are in
moderate condition. The pipe on C Street Southwest and at West Hill Springs are in poor to moderate
condition. The C Street Southwest piping is currently being replaced by the City’s “C St SW Preservation”
capital project that will begin construction in in 2024.The West Hill Springs piping will be replaced in a
forthcoming capital project titled “West Hill Springs Transmission Main Replacement” that is identified in
Chapter 8.
Page 206 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-7
Table 3-2 | Transmission and Distribution System Piping Inventory by Material and Installation Decade
Piping Material Total Length
(linear feet)
Install Decade
(10-Year Period)
Length
(linear feet)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)1
Cast Iron 253,919
1920 11,877 100 -4 7
1930 10,602 6 6
1940 3,079
50
-34 10
1950 5,937 -24 10
1960 147,764 -14 9
Unknown 74,660 -- --
Concrete2 11,284 1960 11,284 100 36 3
Ductile Iron 1,198,958
1960 48,235
100
36 4
1970 115,184 46 4
1980 283,977 56 4
1990 299,293 66 4
2000 230,295 76 3
2010 156,307 86 2
2020 50,594 96 1
Unknown 15,072 -- --
HDPE 409 2010 409 100 86 1
PVC2 19,498
1960 1,630
100
36 4
1970 2,598 46 4
1980 1,251 56 4
1990 1,784 66 4
2000 2,647 76 3
2010 2,588 86 2
2020 1,117 96 1
Unknown 5,884 -- --
RCP 1,014 1970 884 100 46 3
2020 130 96 1
Steel 1,030 1920 870 100 -4 6
Page 207 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-8
Piping Material Total Length
(linear feet)
Install Decade
(10-Year Period)
Length
(linear feet)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)1
1970 160 46 4
Unknown - Anticipated
to be Cast Iron based on
install date
4,022 1960 4,022 50 -14 4
Unknown – Anticipated
to be Ductile Iron based
on install date
28,564
1970 4,001
100
46 4
1980 3,822 56 4
1990 12,465 66 4
2000 4,165 76 3
2010 4,112 86 2
Unknown 23,089 Unknown 23,089 50 -- --
Note:
1. Condition was assessed based on remaining useful life of the pipe.
2. The City is investigating pipe materials in 2024 to verify pipe materials in the City’s database that may be mislabeled.
The distribution system piping is delineated into pressure zones using Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs). An inventory of the City’s PRVs, as well as
their size, remaining useful life, condition, and criticality are summarized in Table 3-3. As PRVs approach their anticipated design life, the City’s
Maintenance and Operations (M&O) staff remove and rebuild the valve to extend the useful life of the asset, when feasible.
Table 3-3 | Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Inventory
Valve ID # PRV Location Description Valve Size
(inches)
Install Date
(year)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Lea Hill Service Area
411-10 - Primary Valve Cobble Creek Upper at 30216
104th Ave SE
8
2024
40 1
3
411-11 - Secondary Valve 2 4
411-12 - Relief Valve 1.5 4
411-20 - Primary Valve 104th Ave SE/SE 302nd St.
Cobble Creek Lower
6
1994 10 4
3
411-21 - Secondary Valve 2 4
411-22 - Relief Valve 1.5 4
412-10 - Primary Valve 298th Pl SE & 109th Ave SE 6 2011 27 2 3
40
Page 208 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-9
Valve ID # PRV Location Description Valve Size
(inches)
Install Date
(year)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
412-11 - Secondary Valve 2 4
412-12 - Secondary Valve 2 4
412-20 - Primary Valve
300 Block SE & 108th Ave SE
6
2005
40
21 1
3
412-21 - Secondary Valve 2 4
412-22 - Secondary Valve 2 4
511-10 - Primary Valve SE 304th St. & 108th Ave. SE 6 2016 32 1 3
511-11 - Secondary Valve 2 4
511-20 – Primary Valve Cobble Creek Lower at 10230
304th Pl SE
6
1994 10 1
3
511-21 – Secondary Valve 2 4
511-22 – Relief Valve 1.5 4
512-10 – Primary Valve
SE 304th St & 110th Pl SE
6
2018 34 1
3
512-11 – Secondary Valve 2 4
512-12 – Secondary Valve 2 4
611-30 - Primary Valve
Carriage Square
8
2018 34 1
3
611-31 - Secondary Valve 3 4
611-32 - Secondary Valve 3 4
711-10 - Primary Valve Amberview North 8 1986 2 5 3
711-11 – Secondary Valve 2 4
711-20 - Primary Valve Amberview South 8 1986 2 5 3
Valley Service Area
1110-10 - Primary Valve 25th St SE & K St SE 10 1987 40 3 6 3
1110-20 - Secondary Valve 4 4
Lakeland Service Area
1309-10 - Primary Valve
Mill Pond Dr SE & Oravetz Rd
SE
10
1980
40
-4 6
3
1309-11 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1309-12 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1309-13- Secondary Valve 1 4
1310-10 - Primary Valve Mill Pond Dr SE & Mill Pond
Loop SE
10 1980 -4 6 3
1310-11 - Secondary Valve 3 4
Page 209 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-10
Valve ID # PRV Location Description Valve Size
(inches)
Install Date
(year)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
1310-12 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1310-13 - Secondary Valve 1 4
1409-10 - Primary Valve
Oravetz Rd SE & Lakeland Hills
Way SE
8
1990 6 5
3
1409-11 - Secondary Valve 4 4
1409-12 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1409-13 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1409-20 - Primary Valve
47th St SE & Lakeland Hills Way
SE
8
1992 8 5
3
1409-21 - Secondary Valve 4 4
1409-22 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1409-23 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1409-30 - Primary Valve Lakeland Hills Way SE & 51st St
SE
10
2004 20 3
3
1409-31 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1409-32 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1409-40 - Primary Valve
Mill Pond Dr SE & Lakeland
Hills Way SE
10
1988 4 5
3
1409-41 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1409-42 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1409-43 - Secondary Valve 1 4
1410-10 - Primary Valve
5018 Mill Pond Dr SE
10
1980 -4 6
3
1410-11 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1410-12 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1410-20 - Primary Valve
52nd St SE & East of Mill Pond
Dr SE
8
1992 8 5
3
1410-21- Secondary Valve 4 4
1410-22- Secondary Valve 2 4
1410-23- Secondary Valve 2 4
1410-30 - Primary Valve Nathan Ave SE & Highland Dr
SE
8
1992 8 5
3
1410-31- Secondary Valve 4 4
1410-32- Secondary Valve 2 4
40
Page 210 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-11
Valve ID # PRV Location Description Valve Size
(inches)
Install Date
(year)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
1410-33- Secondary Valve 2 4
1410-40 - Primary Valve
5203 Quincy Ave SE
8
1995 11 4
3
1410-41- Secondary Valve 4 4
1410-42- Secondary Valve 2 4
1410-43- Secondary Valve 2 4
1509-10 - Primary Valve
Terrace View Lower
10
2007 23 3
3
1509-11- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-12- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-20 - Primary Valve
Terrace View Middle
10
2007 23 3
3
1509-21- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-22- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-30 - Primary Valve
Terrace View Upper
10
2007 23 3
3
1509-31- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-32- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-40 - Primary Valve Terrace View Dr SE &
Alexander Pl SE
10
2007 23 3
3
1509-41- Secondary Valve 3 4
1509-42- Secondary Valve 3 4
1510-10 - Primary Valve
Lakeland Hills Way SE &
Evergreen Way SE
8
1994 10 4
3
1510-11- Secondary Valve 4 4
1510-12- Secondary Valve 2 4
1510-13- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-10 - Primary Valve
56th St SE at Bennett Ave SE
6
2011 27 2
3
1411-11- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-12- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-20 - Primary Valve
5310 Bennett Ave SE
6
2010 26 2
3
1411-21- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-22- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-30 - Primary Valve Kersey Way SE & 50th St SE 8 2015 31 2 3
40
Page 211 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-12
Valve ID # PRV Location Description Valve Size
(inches)
Install Date
(year)
Design Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # = Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
1411-31- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-32- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-40 - Primary Valve
2305 54th St SE
10
2015 31 2
3
1411-41- Secondary Valve 3 4
1411-42- Secondary Valve 3 4
1411-50 - Primary Valve
5253 Wesley Ave SE
6
2015 31 2
3
1411-51- Secondary Valve 2 4
1411-52- Secondary Valve 2 4
1412-10 - Primary Valve
5539 Franklin Ave SE
6
2012 28 2
3
1412-11- Secondary Valve 2 4
1412-12- Secondary Valve 2 4
Academy Service Area
1011-30 - Primary Valve
2003 Auburn Way S
8
2006
40
22 3
3
1011-31 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1011-32 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1111-10 - Primary Valve Riverwalk Dr SE & Howard Rd
SE
6
2006 22 3
3
1111-11 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1111-12 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1111-20 - Primary Valve
2204 27th St SE
6
1997 13 3
3
1111-21 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1111-22 - Secondary Valve 2 4
1114-10 - Primary Valve
4500 Auburn Way South
8
2006 22 3
3
1114-11 - Secondary Valve 3 4
1114-12 - Secondary Valve 3 4
40
Page 212 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-13
Figure 3-5 shows the locations of water main breaks and leaks that have required repair since 2014. A total
of 93 repairs have been completed during this timeframe and include water main break and leak repairs,
water main appurtenance repairs, service lines repairs, and repairs due to damage caused by construction
contractors.
Figure 3-5 | Water Main Leak and Break Repair Locations from 2014-2024
Page 213 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-14
Figure 3-6 shows the locations of low pressure and water quality (odor and discolored water) complaints
received since 2014.
Figure 3-6 | Low Pressure, Odor, and Discolored Water Complaints from 2014-2024
Page 214 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-15
A summary of the customer complaints by category is presented in Table 3-4. Overall, there has been only
one odor complaint within the last ten years. Pressure complaints and water quality complaints have
remained fairly consistent, with the fewest number of complaints being made in 2023.
Table 3-4 | Summary Customer Complaints
Category 20141 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Water Quality
(Appearance) 0 40 47 23 14 55 48 47 27 9
Odor 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pressure 6 9 16 19 12 8 4 11 8 10
Total 9 50 63 42 26 63 52 58 35 19
Note:
1. Data in 2014 is incomplete due to the City transitioning to Cartegraph Asset Management.
3.1.2 Water Source Facilities
The City uses a combination of groundwater wells and springs as supply sources for the water system. The
pumping capacity, remaining useful life, condition and criticality of the City’s groundwater wells are
summarized in Table 3-5. The City’s two spring sources, Coal Creek Springs and West Hill Springs, are not
included in Table 3-5 since both these sources operate by gravity and have no on-site pumping equipment.
Condition ratings are assigned based on the 2013 Water Facilities Evaluation Study.
A detailed description of each water source facility, including both springs and groundwater wells, and
planned improvements is provided following Table 3-5. A summary of the pumping or production capacity
of each source, including the springs, is included in Section 2.6 of Chapter 2. Discussion of the City’s current
water rights for each water source is provided in Section 3.4.1.
Table 3-5 | Source of Supply Well Pump Inventory
Facility
Name
Capacity
(MGD)
No. of
Pumps Pump Type Install
Year
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition
Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Valley Service Area
Well 1 3.02 1 Vertical
Turbine 2016 40 32 2 2
Well 2 1.61 1 Centrifugal 2023 39 3 1
Well 3A Not in Service
Well 3B Not in Service
Well 4 3.74 1 Centrifugal 1985
40
30 1 3
Well 6 1.73 1 Vertical
Turbine 1999 15 4 1
Well 7 Not in Service
Lakeland Service Area
Well 5 0.94 1 Submersible 1983 40 -1 7 3
Well 5A 0.26 1 Submersible 1990 6 7 2
Well 5B Not in Service
Page 215 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-16
3.1.2.1 Coal Creek Springs
Coal Creek Springs is a primary water supply for the City due to its production capacity. This source is more
economical to operate than other sources as it can provide a large volume of water and does not require
pumping for extraction. Much of the spring’s collector system, including the south and middle collectors,
was constructed in 1964. A third collector (the north collector) was added in 1998 to enhance system
performance and to provide increased reliability. Currently, the flow from this collector is by gravity,
however a buried manhole structure was installed in the line to provide space for a future pump station
that could increase production.
Each collector is connected to an overflow structure before connection to a 24-inch transmission line that
conveys flow to the Howard Road Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT) Facility where the water is treated
for corrosion and is then pumped to Reservoir 1. Between the Coal Creek Springs headworks and the
Howard Road CCT Facility is a single connection that supplies potable water to Game Farm Wilderness Park.
This transmission main is in good condition, however a suspected leak on the 24-inch steel transmission
main crossing the White River was identified in a facility evaluation study completed in 2014. It was later
identified that there was not a leak, but the evaluation results were caused by river turbulence due to
portions of the pipe being exposed along the riverbed. The City is currently constructing a project that
replaces the river crossing with new transmission piping suspended from a utility and pedestrian bridge;
the project will be completed in 2024 and is identified in Chapter 8.
In recent years, the production capacity of Coal Creek Springs has been reduced. A maximum instantaneous
production rate up to 4,500 gpm is currently feasible, however a more consistent functional production
capacity of 3,500 gpm is currently achieved (approximately 52 percent of the water right capacity). The City
is currently investigating the cause of reduced production and potential solutions. A capital project is
planned to rehabilitate Coal Creek Springs once a solution is identified; the project is discussed further in
Chapter 8.
3.1.2.2 West Hill Springs
Although the use of West Hill Springs as a potable water supply dates to before 1907, most of the current
facilities and equipment were constructed after 1960. More recent improvements include replacement of
the collection boxes, as recommended in the 1995 Comprehensive Water Plan, and partial fencing of the
watershed, as recommended by the 2000 Water Comprehensive Plan. The spring’s existing transmission
main is constructed of 10-inch diameter cast iron piping and has experienced two breaks. The City plans to
replace approximately 1,250 linear feet of the transmission main with 12-inch diameter ductile iron pipe in
an upcoming capital project identified in Chapter 8.
3.1.2.3 Well 1
Well 1 was constructed in 1960 and underwent substantial renovation in 2016, significantly improving the
overall facility condition. Renovations included transmission piping to Howard Road CCT Facility, site
improvements, a new well house, new pumping system, disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, on-site
emergency power, and upgraded electrical and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) controls.
The new well pumping system is a two-stage, vertical turbine pump with a capacity of 2,100 gpm, driven
by a 100-HP motor and controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD). Supply from Well 1 will be routed
along the recently constructed 16-inch transmission main and conveyed to the Howard Road CCT Facility.
Page 216 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-17
3.1.2.4 Wells 2 & 6
Well 2 was constructed in 1970 and the well and well house were replaced in 2000 with a new masonry
building and pumping equipment as part of the City’s corrosion control strategy. The facility built in 2000
also houses Well 6, which was built in 1999. Within the facility is a two-stage 1,115 gpm centrifugal pump
powered by a 125-HP motor, installed in 2023 (Well 2), and a 1,200 gpm, two-stage, vertical-turbine pump
driven by a 200-HP motor (Well 6). The wells discharge to a 14-inch transmission main to Fulmer Field CCT
Facility for treatment prior to distribution.
Since the Fulmer Field CCT Facility is required to re-pump the water from Wells 2 and 6 into the Valley
Service Area and to Reservoir 2, Wells 2 and 6 are functional only with operation of the Fulmer Field CCT
Facility. Chlorination and emergency power for both Wells 2 and 6 are housed in the Fulmer Field CCT
Facility.
In 2023 the City completed an interim replacement of the pump at Well 2. Full replacement of Well 2 is
planned as a capital project discussed further in Chapter 8. Additionally, rehabilitation work completed in
2013 and 2014 indicated that it would be beneficial to clean and rehab both wells on a regular basis. As
such, the City initiated a program for regular cleaning of the wells established on a 3-year cycle which is
discussed further in Chapter 8.
3.1.2.5 Wells 3A & 3B
Wells 3A and 3B are located at the same site, off 37th Street SE on the extension of E Street SE. The wells
are approximately 50 feet apart and were constructed in 1983 and 1984 respectively. Each well is equipped
with a four-stage, centrifugal pump driven by a 125-HP motor, each with a maximum pumping capacity of
1,650 gpm when operated individually. A standby generator capable of running one pump at a time is
available on site. The system is equipped with an automatic transfer switch.
Currently, Wells 3A and Well 3B are not operated because they produce water that contains high
concentrations of manganese. Since the wells were taken offline, the chlorination facilities have been
removed. If operated, the wells pump directly into the Valley Service area distribution system. The City
plans to construct treatment for these wells as part of the “Wells 3A/3B Treatment” project discussed
further in Chapter 8.
3.1.2.6 Well 4
Well 4 was originally constructed in 1985 and was rebuilt in 2012. This source is currently in excellent
condition. The well is equipped with a 2,600-gpm, four-stage, centrifugal, turbine pump driven by a 300-
HP motor. Well 4 pumps directly to a 16-inch transmission main that can either convey water to Reservoir
1 or to distribution through a PRV. Well 4 is an important supply for the southern end of the City’s Retail
Water Service Area (RWSA). Operation of the well is normally controlled by the water level in Reservoir 1.
3.1.2.7 Well 5
Well 5 is one of three City wells that were constructed to serve the Lakeland Hills Development within the
City’s Lakeland Service Area. Well 5 pumps directly into the Lakeland Service Area distribution system. The
well was constructed in 1983 and is equipped with a seven-stage submersible turbine pump, driven by a
125-HP motor. The well facility was assessed to be in poor condition in the 2013 Water Facilities Evaluation
Study. The City plans to upgrade the facility as part of the Well 5/5A Upgrades project discussed in Chapter
8.
Page 217 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-18
3.1.2.8 Well 5A
Well 5A is the second well serving the Lakeland Service Area and was constructed in 1990 to supplement
Well 5. The well pumps directly into the Lakeland Service Area distribution system. The well is equipped
with a ten-stage submersible turbine pump, driven by a 60-HP motor and has on-site chlorination facilities.
A manual transfer switch is provided to allow operation of Well 5A using a portable emergency generator.
The well facility was assessed to be in poor condition in the 2013 Water Facilities Evaluation Study. The City
plans to upgrade the facility as part of the Well 5/5A Upgrades project discussed in Chapter 8.
3.1.2.9 Well 5B
Well 5B was constructed in 2005 with a 600 gpm pump. Once this source came on-line, the City discovered
the aquifer was not recovering, so the well was taken out of service in 2006 and has not been operated
since. The City has no plans to operate this well within the planning horizon.
3.1.2.10 Well 7
Well 7 was constructed in 1997 and was originally equipped with a 3,500-gpm variable-stage, vertical-
turbine pump driven by a 500-HP motor. Well 7 is configured to pump directly to the Fulmer Field CCT
Facility through a 16-inch transmission main. The treated water is then re-pumped into the Valley Service
Area. If necessary, Well 7 can pump untreated water directly to the Valley Service Area through a PRV. The
well was taken out-of-service in 2012 due to high manganese concentrations. The City has planned capital
projects to expand the treatment capacity and treat manganese at Fulmer Field CCT Facility to
accommodate flows from Well 7 so operation of this facility can be reinstated. The projects to provide
treatment and back-up power for Well 7 are discussed in Chapter 8.
3.1.2.11 Algona Well 1
In 1996, the City acquired the water rights for Algona Well 1 as a condition of the wholesale agreement
with the City of Algona (Algona). Due to pump operational problems, Algona Well 1 was removed from
service. The 500-gpm pump and associated piping have been removed from the well house and the building
has been demolished, but the well casing is still intact, and the well is plugged. The City has a capital project
identified in Chapter 8 to study the well and options for potential use or relocation.
3.1.3 Water Treatment Facilities
The City’s water treatment facilities provide chlorination and corrosion control. An inventory of the water
system’s treatment facilities, including the treatment type, capacity, remaining useful life, condition, and
criticality is provided in Table 3-6. Condition ratings are assigned based on the 2013 Water Facilities
Evaluation Study. A detailed description of each water treatment facility and planned improvements is
provided following Table 3-6.
Table 3-6 | Water Treatment Facility Inventory
Facility Name Treatment Type
Treatment/
Dosing
Capacity
Install
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Coal Creek
Springs
Gas
Chlorination
0.75-0.80
mg/L 1976 35 -13 3 2
Page 218 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-19
Facility Name Treatment Type
Treatment/
Dosing
Capacity
Install
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
West Hill
Springs
Gas
Chlorination
0.75-0.80
mg/L 1992 15 5 3
Fulmer Field
CCT Facility
Hypochlorite 0.95 mg/L
2002
35
13 5
2
Corrosion/Air-
Stripping 11.88 MGD 1
Howard Road
CCT Facility
Corrosion/Air-
Stripping 8.06 MGD 2004 15 5 1
Terrace View
Booster
Pump Station
Re-chlorination 0.75 mg/L 2010 21 3 2
Well 1 Hypochlorite 0.75-0.80
mg/L 2016 27 2 2
Well 4 Hypochlorite 0.75-0.80
mg/L 2016 27 2 3
Well 5A Hypochlorite 0.75-0.80
mg/L 1990 1 3 2
3.1.3.1 Chlorination Facilities
3.1.3.1.1 Coal Creek Springs Chlorination
The Coal Creek Springs chlorination station was built in 1976 and achieves 4-log treatment of the supply.
The chlorination station is housed in a masonry building approximately 300 feet north of the collectors and
is in fair condition. As a major source of water for the system, Coal Creek Springs is used to maintain chlorine
residuals in the Academy Service Area and south end of the Valley Service Area.
This chlorination station is equipped with two chlorinators. Gaseous chlorine is stored on site in a separate
room. Alarms from the chlorination equipment are transmitted back to the Water Control Center at the
M&O Facility. A chlorine residual analyzer provides high and low alarms to the M&O Facility. Chlorine is
dosed into the water at a range of 0.75-0.80 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and is adjusted based on the chlorine
residual measured in the Academy and the south end of the Valley Service Area.
The City has a capital project planned to replace the chlorination building and upgrade the chlorination
equipment from chlorine gas to hypochlorite disinfection. This project is discussed further in Chapter 8.
3.1.3.1.2 West Hill Springs Chlorination
The West Hill Springs Chlorination Facility was constructed in 1992. Water produced at West Hill Springs
continuously flows from the collection boxes to the on-site chlorination station, housed in a wood building,
where gas chlorine is metered continuously to treat the water. Chlorine dosage typically ranges from 0.75
– 0.80 mg/L and is adjusted based on the measured chlorine residual in the north end of the Valley Service
Area. From the chlorination station, the water flows by gravity into the Valley Service Area.
3.1.3.1.3 Well 1
Liquid sodium hypochlorite treatment was installed at Well 1 in 2016. The chlorine dosage typically ranges
from 0.75 - 0.80 mg/L. A residual monitoring system is tied into the City’s existing SCADA system. The City
plans to replace the liquid hypochlorite system with an on-site chlorine generation system (OSEC) to better
Page 219 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-20
accommodate seasonal changes to chemical demands and reduce chemical waste. This project is discussed
further in Chapter 8.
3.1.3.1.4 Wells 2 and 6
Water produced at Wells 2 and 6 is treated and chlorinated at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility prior to
distribution.
3.1.3.1.5 Well 4
Well 4 was equipped with a liquid sodium hypochlorite chlorination system in 2016. The chlorine dosage
typically ranges from 0.75 – 0.80 mg/L. The City plans to replace the liquid hypochlorite system with an on-
site chlorine generation system (OSEC) to better accommodate seasonal changes to chemical demands and
reduce chemical waste. This project is discussed further in Chapter 8.
3.1.3.1.6 Well 5
There is currently no chlorination provided for water produced at Well 5. This City has a capital project
discussed in Chapter 8 that will include the addition of a chlorination facility to Well 5.
3.1.3.1.7 Well 5A
Well 5A was equipped with a liquid sodium hypochlorite chlorination station in 1990. The chlorine dosage
typically ranges from 0.75 – 0.80 mg/L and is adjusted based on the chlorine residual measured in the
Lakeland Service Area.
3.1.3.1.8 Fulmer Field CCT Facility
The Fulmer Field CCT Facility was constructed in 2004. Chlorination at Fulmer Field CCT, along with B Street
Intertie, is a major source of chlorine residual in the north end of the Valley Service Area and in the Lea Hill
Service Area and is achieved using an on-site chlorine generation system. The existing on-site chlorine
generation cell was replaced in 2012, but the system was identified as being in poor condition and sourcing
replacement parts for repairs has become increasingly more difficult. A capital project to replace the entire
on-site generation system is planned and discussed further in Chapter 8.
The Fulmer Field CCT Facility treats the water from Wells 2, 6, and 7 (when operational). Chlorine is
introduced into the system prior to the air-stripping towers at a dose of approximately 0.95 mg/L. The
chlorine is adjusted based on measured chlorine residual at the station analyzer. The treated water is then
stored in the clearwell and boosted into the distribution system and Reservoir 2. If needed, the chlorine
can be manually introduced into the clearwell rather than prior to the towers.
3.1.3.1.9 Terrace View Booster Pump Station (BPS)
The Terrace View BPS was equipped with a liquid sodium hypochlorite chlorination system in 2010, adding
6 percent solution to the discharge piping of the station at an approximate dose of 0.75 mg/L.
3.1.3.1.10 Intertie Pump Station
Through the First Amendment to Interlocal Agreement No. 2 for the Lea Hill Intertie project executed in
2017, Covington Water District (CWD) terminated its rights or obligations to Interlocal Agreement No. 2 or
the First Amendment and Lake Meridian Water District (LMWD) continues to receive wholesale water from
the City, as needed, on an interruptible basis. The chlorination equipment was removed from the Intertie
Pump Station since the intertie is not used on regular basis.
Page 220 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-21
3.1.3.2 CCT Facilities
To limit the corrosion of lead and copper in the system, the City treats major supplies. The treatment
process increases the pH of the water, which reduces the solubility of lead and copper, allowing the water
to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule. The goal of the CCT facilities is to adjust the water leaving the
facility to a pH of approximately 7.5.
3.1.3.2.1 Fulmer Field CCT Facility
The Fulmer Field CCT Facility also adjusts the pH of the water from its sources to approximately 8.0 by air-
stripping in three 33,000 gallon air-stripping towers to provide corrosion control treatment. Three 10,000
cubic feet per minute (CFM) blowers provide air. As the carbon dioxide is stripped from the water, the
treated water is stored in the clearwell and boosted through four booster pumps back into the distribution
system and Reservoir 2. The firm capacity of the facility is 11.88 MGD.
3.1.3.2.2 Howard Road CCT Facility
The Howard Road CCT Facility was constructed in 2004 and is located near the existing Coal Creek Springs
Pump Station. It has a life expectancy of an additional 15 years and is generally in fair condition. This facility
is housed in a masonry building and treats the water from Coal Creek Springs and Well 1. The pH of the
water from the wells is then adjusted to approximately 7.8 by air-stripping in two 33,000 gallon air-stripping
towers. Two 9,300 CFM blowers provide air. The treated water is then stored in the clearwell and re-
boosted through three booster pumps to Reservoir 1. The firm capacity of the facility is 8.06 MGD.
3.1.4 Storage Facilities
The City currently maintains a total of 15.7 million gallons (MG) of water storage in eight water reservoirs
located throughout the system. Storage reservoirs are present in each of the City’s Service Areas. The
location of each storage reservoir is shown in Figure 3-1. A summary of the City’s storage reservoirs, as well
as the type of storage tank, installation date, remaining useful life, condition and criticality is provided in
Table 3-7. Condition ratings are assigned based on the 2013 Water Facilities Evaluation Study. The storage
volumes provided in Table 3-7 represent the maximum tank volume; however, the City commonly operates
the reservoirs at below the maximum levels. A detailed description of reservoir and planned improvements
is provided following Table 3-7.
Table 3-7 | Inventory of Storage Reservoirs
Reservoir
Name
Storage
Volume
(MG)
Type Install
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Valley Service Area
Reservoir 1 5.0 Prestressed
Concrete 1975
100
45 5 2
Reservoir 2 3.6 Prestressed
Concrete 1975 45 3 2
Lea Hill Service Area
Reservoir 4A 1.0 Steel
Standpipe 1965
70
11 3 2
Reservoir 4B 1.5 Steel
Standpipe 1983 29 4 2
Page 221 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-22
Reservoir
Name
Storage
Volume
(MG)
Type Install
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Lakeland Service Area
Reservoir 5 1.0 Steel
Standpipe 1981
70
27 2 3
Reservoir 6 0.9 Steel
Standpipe 2012 58 2 3
Academy Service Area
Reservoir 8A 1.2 Steel
Standpipe 1973
70
19 3 3
Reservoir 8B 1.5 Steel
Standpipe 1980 26 3 3
3.1.4.1 Reservoir 1
Reservoir 1 is located at the southeast end of the Valley Service Area and is the primary storage location
for water produced at Coal Creek Spring and pumped from the Howard Road CCT Facility. Reservoir 1 can
also be filled by water produced at Well 4. The reservoir was constructed in 1975 and is a covered, pre-
stressed concrete tank with a capacity of 5 MG. Reservoir 1 is 184.5 feet in diameter and has an overflow
elevation of 269 feet. Academy Pump Station 3 draws water from Reservoir 1 to feed the Academy Service
Area. Reservoir 1 also serves the Valley Service Area through Control Valve 1. Control Valve 1 is essential to
limit flow and maintain adequate supply to the Valley Service Area.
Reservoir 1 was last inspected and cleaned on March 15, 2023. Recommended improvements identified in
2013 Water Facilities Evaluation Study are planned to be completed as part of the “Reservoir Capital
Improvements” project discussed further in Chapter 8.
3.1.4.2 Reservoir 2
Reservoir 2 is located on the northeast side of the City’s Water Service Area and serves the Valley Service
Area. The reservoir was constructed in 1975 and is a buried, pre-stressed concrete tank with public tennis
courts on the concrete roof. The reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 3.6 MG, has a diameter of
143 feet and an overflow elevation of 252.7 feet. Reservoir 2 is filled by the water sources located in the
Valley Service Area and is also filled from Reservoir 1 through Control Valve 1.
Reservoir 2 was last inspected and cleaned on March 13, 2023. A capital project is planned to replace the
fill and drain valves associated with the reservoir; the project is discussed further in Chapter 8. This project
will also resolve improvements identified in the 2022 sanitary survey.
3.1.4.3 Reservoirs 4A and 4B
Storage in the Lea Hill Service Area is provided in two steel standpipe reservoirs located in the northeast
corner of the City’s RWSA, Reservoir 4A and Reservoir 4B. The reservoirs have capacities of 1.0 MG and 1.5
MG respectively. Reservoir 4A was constructed in 1965 with a diameter of 46 feet and an overflow
elevation of 578.5 feet. Reservoir 4B was constructed in 1983 with a diameter of 58 feet and an overflow
elevation of 579.6 feet. Water is supplied to the Lea Hill reservoirs from the City’s Valley Service Area
through the Green River Pump Station and Lea Hill Pump Station.
Page 222 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-23
The reservoirs were last inspected and cleaned in June and April of 2018. A capital project is planned to
install seismic control valves on the outlet piping from both reservoirs to prevent catastrophic flow during
a seismic pipe failure; the project is discussed further in Chapter 8. Additionally, required improvements
identified in the 2022 Sanitary Survey will be completed as part of the Reservoir Repair and Replacements
Program also discussed in Chapter 8.
3.1.4.4 Reservoir 5
Reservoir 5 is one of two reservoirs providing storage for the Lakeland Service Area. The reservoir was
constructed in 1981 and has a total capacity of 1.0 MG. The reservoir is filled by Well 5, Well 5A, and the
Terrace View BPS. Reservoir 5 is steel standpipe with a 53.25-foot diameter and an overflow elevation of
638.5 feet. The reservoir was last cleaned and inspected in 2019 and the interior and exterior were last
painted in 2016 as part of routine maintenance.
3.1.4.5 Reservoir 6
Reservoir 6 is in the Lakeland Service Area within the boundary of the Lakeland 697 pressure zone but is
connected to distribution piping for the Lakeland 630 pressure zone. Reservoir 6 is a steel standpipe
constructed in 2012 and has a total capacity of 0.9 MG. This reservoir has a diameter of 63.4 feet and an
overflow elevation of 638.9 feet. The reservoir is filled by Well 5, Well 5A, and the Terrace View BPS. The
reservoir was last cleaned and inspected in 2019.
3.1.4.6 Reservoir 8A and 8B
Reservoirs 8A and 8B are steel standpipes that provide storage for the Academy Service Area. The reservoirs
are normally operated in parallel, functioning as one large reservoir. Reservoir 8A has a diameter of 52.75
feet and a total storage volume of 1.2 MG and was constructed in 1973. Academy Reservoir 8B has a
diameter of 60 feet and a total storage volume of 1.5 MG and was constructed in 1980. Both reservoirs
have an overflow elevation of 544 feet. Academy Pump Station 3 fills the reservoirs.
The reservoirs were last cleaned and inspected in October 2019. A capital project is planned to install
seismic control valves on the outlet piping from both reservoirs to prevent catastrophic flow during a
seismic pipe failure; the project is discussed further in Chapter 8. Additionally, required improvements
identified in the 2022 Sanitary Survey will be completed as part of the Reservoir Repair and Replacements
Program also discussed in Chapter 8.
3.1.5 Pump Station Facilities
The City operates and maintains several pump stations to move water throughout the distribution system
and to provide water at the required service pressures. An inventory of the City’s pump stations is provided
in Table 3-8 and locations are shown in Figure 3-1. Condition ratings provided in Table 3-8 are assigned
based on findings from the 2013 Water Facilities Evaluation Study.
Page 223 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-24
Table 3-8 | Pump Station and Booster Pump Station Inventory
Facility Name
Firm
Capacity
(gpm)
Firm
Capacity
(MGD)
Install
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Lea Hill Service Area
Intertie Pump
Station (Wholesale) 3,510 5.05 1999
40
15 3 4
Lea Hill BPS 300 0.432 1999 15 3 3
Lea Hill Pump
Station 1,200 1.73 1965 -19 6 3
Green River Pump
Station 3,498 5.04 1999 15 3 2
Valley Service Area
Game Farm Park
Pump Station 50 0.07 1988 40 4 7 4
Lakeland Service Area
Lakeland Hills BPS 4,205 6.06 2012
40
28 2 2
Terrace View BPS 1,000 1.44 2010 26 2 2
Fulmer Field CCT
Facility 8,250 11.88 2004 20 3 1
Howard Road CCT
Facility 5,600 8.06 2004 20 4 1
Academy Service Area
Academy Pump
Station 3 2,100 3.02 2023 40 39 1 1
Academy East BPS 3,040 4.38 2014 30 2 2
3.1.6 Facility Back-Up Power
An inventory of the City’s existing facilities with backup power accommodation is provided in Table 3-9. Of
the City’s twelve water sources, only Wells 5 and 7 are currently without a standby power source. Standby
power will be added to both wells as part of capital projects discussed in Chapter 8. Back-up power for
Wells 2 and 6 is housed at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility.
The Game Farm Park Pump Station, Lea Hill BPS, and Intertie Pump Station are the only pump stations
without a standby power source or connection. Backup power will be added to the Lea Hill BPS as part of a
capital project discussed further in Chapter 8. The City is currently installing temporary back-up power at
the Intertie Pump Station by utilizing the generator previously utilities at Academy Pump Station 1 and
Academy Pump Station 2, as these facilities were recently replaced by Academy Pump Station 3. The
Intertie Pump Station back-up generator is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2024. The Game
Farm Park Pump Station is a small facility that serves a recreational area and does not serve residential or
commercial properties, therefore back-up power is not a critical element.
Page 224 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-25
Table 3-9 | Back Up Power Inventory
Generator Location Generator Type
and Size
Install or
Purchase
Date
Design
Life
(years)
Remaining
Useful Life
(years)
Condition Rating
(Bigger # =
Worse
Condition)
Criticality
Rating
(Bigger # =
Less Critical)
Fulmer Field CCT Facility On-site, 1000 kW 2001
25
2 4 3
Howard Road CCT Facility On-site, 600 kW 2004 5 3 3
Academy East BPS On-site, 600 kW 2010 11 2 3
Academy Pump Station 3 On-site, 450 kW 2023 24 1 3
Green River Pump Station On-site, 515 kW 2004 5 2 3
Lakeland Hills BPS On-site, 300 kW 2012 13 2 3
Lea Hill Pump Station On-site, 250 kW 1964 -35 6 3
Terrace View BPS On-site, 250 kW 2010 11 2 3
Well 1 Portable, 230 kW 2014 15 2 3
Well 3A/3B On-site, 210 kW 1983 -16 5 3
Well 4 On-site, 450 kW 2016 17 2 3
Well 5A Portable, 230 kW 1992 -7 4 3
Well 5B On-site, 400 kW 2005 6 3 4
Coal Creek Springs On-site, 20 kW 1964 -35 6 3
3.1.7 Facility Monitoring and Control
Primary monitoring and operation of the City’s water system and facilities is conducted via a SCADA
computerized control system. A software program called “Wonderware” works in association with SCADA
to provide real time graphical display of system data, set points, and alarms for staff monitoring and control.
The City’s SCADA system controls are centralized at the Public Works M&O Facility. Major upgrades of the
City’s SCADA system were complete in 2015 and again in 2024, and the system regularly undergoes updates
as facility upgrades or improvements are completed.
3.1.8 2022 Sanitary Survey Findings
The City has already taken corrective actions and will continue to resolve all deficiencies identified in the
2022 Sanitary Survey, as summarized in Table 3-10.
Table 3-10 | Summary of 2022 Sanitary Survey Findings
Issues/Recommended Improvements Required Action
Sources and Treatment
Well 3A Offline due to manganese issues --
Well 3B Offline due to manganese issues --
Well 5
Water supply lines to chlorine solution tanks must be
provided with either air gaps or reduced pressure
backflow assemblies to eliminate potential cross
connections.
This deficiency was mislabeled by DOH,
This should have been for Well 4. A
letter from the DOH acknowledging the
error was received on October 17, 2022.
Pump to waste line should terminate above grade.
Will be addressed in Well 5/5A Upgrades
project included in CIP; refer to Chapter
8.
Page 225 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-26
Issues/Recommended Improvements Required Action
Well 5A
Water supply lines to chlorine solution tanks must be
provided with either air gaps or reduced pressure
backflow assemblies to eliminate potential cross
connections.
Completed.
On September 21, 2022, a reduced
pressure backflow assembly was
installed at Well 5A, on the water supply
line to the chlorine tank.
Raise casing to terminate above grade or provision of
sump pump or alarms that activate when water
accumulates in vault. In the meantime, the vault
should be inspected weekly and immediately
following significant storm events.
City implemented an inspection program
in October 2022.
Will be addressed further in Well 5/5A
Upgrades project included in CIP; refer
to Chapter 8.
Well 7 Offline due to manganese issues --
Storage
Reservoir 2 Reservoir overflow should not be connected directly
to any drain, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer.
Will be addressed in Reservoir 2
improvements project included in CIP;
refer to Chapter 8.
Reservoir 4A
Reservoir vents should open downward to prevent
windblown debris from entering tank.
Will be completed as part of City's
annual Reservoir Repair and
Replacement program or Reservoirs 4
and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation project;
refer to Chapter 8.
Reservoir overflow should not be connected directly
to any drain, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer.
Will be completed as part of City's
annual Reservoir Repair and
Replacement program or Reservoirs 4
and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation project;
refer to Chapter 8.
Reservoir 4B Reservoir overflow should not be connected directly
to any drain, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer.
Will be completed as part of City's
annual Reservoir Repair and
Replacement program or Reservoirs 4
and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation project;
refer to Chapter 8.
Reservoir 8A
Reservoir overflow screen must be repaired
Completed.
On September 13, 2022, the overflow
screen at Reservoir 8A was repaired.
Reservoir vents should open downward to prevent
windblown debris from entering tank.
Will be completed as part of City's
annual Reservoir Repair and
Replacement program or Reservoirs 4
and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation project;
refer to Chapter 8.
Reservoir 8B
Reservoir overflow screen must be repaired
Completed.
On September 13, 2022, the overflow
screen at Reservoir 8B was repaired.
Reservoir vents should open downward to prevent
windblown debris from entering tank.
Will be completed as part of City's
annual Reservoir Repair and
Replacement program or Reservoirs 4
and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation project;
refer to Chapter 8.
Page 226 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-27
3.2 Water Quality
The quality of drinking water in the United States is regulated by the EPA. Under provisions of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) established in 1974, the EPA is allowed to delegate primary enforcement
responsibility for water quality control to each state. In the State of Washington, DOH is the agency
responsible for implementing and enforcing the drinking water regulations. For the State to maintain the
authority to implement requirements under the SDWA, it must adopt drinking water regulations that are
at least as stringent as federal regulations. In meeting these requirements, the State has published drinking
water regulations that are contained in Chapter 246-290 of the WAC.
As a Group A system, the City is responsible for monitoring and complying with all applicable SDWA and
WAC regulations pertaining to source water and distribution system water quality. The purpose of this
section is to document the water system’s water quality compared to the above drinking water standards,
satisfying the requirements of WAC 246-290-100(4)(e)(ii).
The City also owns and operates the Braunwood satellite system located in southeast Auburn in the
Braunwood development, also known as the Hidden Valley Acres development. This system is classified as
a Group A - Community Water System by DOH. This system is not discussed further in this chapter since it
is a small satellite system that is regularly monitored by the City as required and has not had water quality
issues as documented in the City’s annual water quality reports for the system.
This section includes the following:
Water quality and treatment objectives
Analysis of source water quality
Analysis of distribution system water quality
Recent regulatory changes
3.2.1 Water Quality Treatment and Objectives
The treatment objectives of the City are to treat source water to contaminant concentrations below the
MCLs established by the EPA and WAC.
Historically, the City has relied on groundwater supplied from wells and springs, which have been
determined to be not under the direct influence of surface waters (DOH 2004 for Coal Creek Springs). For
these water sources, the City is required to meet the EPA’s Groundwater Rule (GWR). The City treats water
from all groundwater and spring sources, except for Well 5. The City’s water treatment facilities provide
chlorination and corrosion control. A summary of the required operator certifications for each type of
facility is provided in Table 3-11.
Table 3-11 | Summary of Operator Certifications
Treatment Facility Required Operator Certifications
Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT) Facilities Water Distribution Manager 4 (WDM-4) and Water
Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO)
Chlorination Facilities WDM-4
The City began using surface water in 2012 through the B-St Wholesale Intertie with the City of Tacoma
(Tacoma). This supply, referred to as the Regional Water Supply, originates from the Green River and the
Howard Hansen Dam. Since the City receives treated water as a wholesale purchaser, it is not required to
Page 227 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-28
meet the Surface Water Treatment Rule. Tacoma maintains compliance with the Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Rule, Long Term 1 and Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rules; and the Filter
Backwash Recycling Rule. The City has not purchased water for consumption from Tacoma since 2016.
3.2.2 Analysis of Source Water Quality
3.2.2.1 Raw Water Quality
The City only samples post-treatment water except for Well 5, which does not currently have treatment or
chlorination. Water quality data for Well 5 is provided in Table 3-12.
3.2.2.2 Finished Water Quality
Monitoring of inorganic chemical and physical parameters varies by source but is typically required once
per 36-month compliance period, however, the City typically monitors these constituents every 12 months
(annually) in July. Samples are collected from each source following treatment. A summary of the maximum
detected concentrations for monitoring data from 2015 through 2022 is provided in Table 3-12. During this
time, none of the MCLs published by the EPA were exceeded; all samples were below required limits.
Asbestos sampling is usually required once per 36-month compliance period. However, the City has a
waiver that requires sampling once every nine years at three distribution system sample sites. No data was
collected during the study period. The City is expected to sample again in 2028. Annual VOC sampling is
required for Wells 2 and 6, which are both currently represented by the Fulmer Field CCT Facility. All active
sources are disinfected with chlorine prior to entering the distribution system except for Well 5, which
serves the Lakeland Service Area.
Monitoring data for 2015 through 2022 for inorganic constituents, physical parameters, SOCs, and VOCs
were reviewed and is summarized in Table 3-12. All values are post-treatment, except for Well 5 since
water from this source is not treated. Wells 3A, 3B, 5B, and 7 were not used during this period and were
therefore not sampled.
Table 3-12 | EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards Results from 2015 through 2022
Constituent MCL Units
Maximum Detected Concentration From 2015 Through 20221 (mg/L)
Coal Creek
Springs
West Hill
Springs Well 1 Well 4 Well 5 Well 5A Fulmer Field
CCT Facility2
EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards
Arsenic 0.01 mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.002
Barium 2 mg/L 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Cadmium 0.005 mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Chromium 0.1 mg/L 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007
Mercury 0.002 mg/L 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002
Selenium 0.05 mg/L 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
Beryllium 0.004 mg/L 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003
Nickel3 - mg/L 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Antimony 0.006 mg/L 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003
Thallium 0.002 mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Cyanide 0.2 mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Fluoride 4.0 mg/L 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Nitrite-N 1 mg/L 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Nitrate-N 10 mg/L 1.7 3.6 2.4 1.4 1.9 0.4 1.7
Page 228 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-29
Constituent MCL Units
Maximum Detected Concentration From 2015 Through 20221 (mg/L)
Coal Creek
Springs
West Hill
Springs Well 1 Well 4 Well 5 Well 5A Fulmer Field
CCT Facility2
Total
Nitrate/Nitrite4 10 mg/L 1.7 3.6 2.4 1.4 1.9 0.5 1.7
EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards5
Iron 0.3 mg/L 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.626 0.16 0.1 0.1
Manganese 0.05 mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.032
Silver 0.1 mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Chloride 250 mg/L 5 8 5 4 6 3 9
Sulfate 250 mg/L 9 15 12 12 11 6 14
Zinc 5 mg/L 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
State Regulated Characteristics
Sodium 20 mg/L 6 8 7 7 10 6 12
Conductivity 700 µmhos/cm 150 254 184 152 275 133 224
Turbidity 1 NTU 0.4 1.5 9.6 5.8 1.2 0.4 3.1
Color 15 Color Units 5 5 10 5 5 5 5
Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS)7 600 mg/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
State Unregulated
Lead8 0.015 mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.018 0.001 0.001 0.001
Copper 1.3 mg/L 0.02 0.3 0.02 0.2 0.02 0.02 0.02
Hardness9 - mg/L 66 122 83 100 130 62 100
Notes:
1. Based on monitoring conducted between 2015 and 2022. Wells 3A, 3B, and 5B were not in use during this time period and no monitoring was
conducted.
2. The Fulmer Field CCT Facility was monitored in 2015, 2018,2020, 2021, and 2022, it replaces monitoring of Wells 2, 6, and 7.
3. There is no state or federal MCL, but Washington state has a detection reporting limit of 0.005 mg/L.
4. EPA has set a treatment goal of Total Nitrate at 10 mg/L.
5. EPA does not enforce these "secondary maximum contaminant levels" (SMCLs). They are established as guidelines to assist public water systems
in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color, and odor. These contaminants are not considered to present a
risk to human health at the SMCL.
6. Iron levels in Well 4 exceeded the Secondary Drinking Water Standards in 2015 but have since all been below the MCL.
7. N/A - not applicable, no testing conducted; testing for total dissolved solids is only required if the specific conductivity is greater than 700 micomhos
per centimeter (umhos/cm).
8. On November 30, 2023, the EPA announced the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which would lower the Lead Action Level from
0.015 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L if finalized in October 2024.
9. No MCL, as hardness is not a regulated characteristic.
3.2.2.3 Water Quality and Treatment Technique Violations
There were no water quality treatment violations from 2015 through 2022.
3.2.3 Analysis of Distribution System Water Quality
3.2.3.1 Seasonal Water Quality Changes
Water quality within the distribution system is relatively consistent throughout the year. The Valley Service
Area distribution water experiences low pH during the winter, however no changes are implemented to
offset seasonal variations.
3.2.3.2 Distribution Water Quality Objectives
The City collects 100 samples at 70 dedicated sampling sites for total and fecal coliform monitoring.
Sampling is conducted at one quarter of the routine sample locations each week during the first four weeks
Page 229 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-30
of a month. The City also monitors weekly for total and fecal coliform at Coal Creek Springs and West Hill
Springs at their respective collector vaults, as well as after treatment, and at several additional sites to
support operations on a weekly basis. The City uses two types of disinfectant for treatment, chlorine gas
and liquid sodium hypochlorite, which both produce free chlorine residuals in the distribution system.
Average chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system ranged from 0.57 to 0.71 mg/L from 2015
through 2022, as summarized in Table 3-13. Although the range of chlorine residual varies throughout the
year, the range of chlorine residual is relatively consistent from year to year. Planned improvements to
chlorination facilities at Well 1 and Well 4 are expected to help maintain a more consistent chlorine residual
level within the water system.
Table 3-13 | Total Chlorine Residuals Results from 2015 through 2022
Year Sample Results (mg/L)
Average Range
2015 0.71 0.40 - 1.09
2016 0.64 0.37 – 0.89
2017 0.58 0.32 – 0.79
2018 0.57 0.30 – 0.78
2019 0.59 0.33 – 0.77
2020 0.57 0.33 – 0.80
2021 0.58 0.36 – 0.78
2022 0.59 0.40 – 0.77
The Stage 1 Disinfection By-Product Rule (DBPR) monitoring was superseded in 2012 with Stage 2 DBPR
monitoring because the City’s population exceeded 50,000 people. The City conducts monthly sampling
within the distribution system to determine the concentration of fluoride. This sampling is in addition to
the inorganic source monitoring required by DOH. The City does not add fluoride to their water. The City
of Tacoma does fluoridate their water and is wholesale supplier to the City, but the City has not purchased
water for consumption from Tacoma since 2016. Sampling is conducted for informational purposes only
and to answer customer questions regarding natural fluoride in the City’s water. Should the City purchase
water from Tacoma, this information would also be used to monitor the blending of different water sources
within the distribution system.
The City conducted both Stage 1 and Stage 2 DBPR monitoring since the last water system plan (WSP).
Table 3-14 provides a summary of the sample results from 2015 through 2022. The City’s Total
Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acid 5 (HAA5) monitoring has been conducted once per year
during the month with the warmest water temperature (i.e., July or August). All samples were well below
the concentrations that DOH uses to determine whether a water system qualifies for reduced monitoring
(0.080 mg/L for TTHMs and 0.060 mg/L for HAA5).
Table 3-14 | Summary of Disinfection By-Product Rule Monitoring Results from 2015 through 2022
Year
TTHM Concentration
(μg/L)2
HAA5 Concentration
(μg/L)2
Range for LRAA1 Compliance Range for LRAA1 Compliance
2015 2.6 – 19.0 < 80 Not Detected – 4.8 < 60
2016 2.2 – 23.1 < 80 Not Detected – 6.0 < 60
2017 1.7 – 15.0 < 80 1.1 – 6.9 < 60
2018 6.7 – 15.1 < 80 Not Detected – 6.9 < 60
Page 230 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-31
Year
TTHM Concentration
(μg/L)2
HAA5 Concentration
(μg/L)2
Range for LRAA1 Compliance Range for LRAA1 Compliance
2019 ND < 80 0.2 – 0.3 < 60
2020 7.5 – 11.95 < 80 Not Detected – 3.66 < 60
2021 6.45 – 17.62 < 80 1.25 – 12.41 < 60
2022 9.03 – 10.41 < 80 Not Detected < 60
Notes:
1. Local running annual average.
2. Microgram per liter (μg/L).
Corrosion control treatment (CCT) is required for the water produced at Coal Creek Springs, Well 1, Well 2,
Well 6, and Well 7. Per the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), the City is required to collect at least 30 water
samples per 36-month compliance period in alignment with reduced lead and copper monitoring
requirements of WAC 246-290. Sample results from 2015 through 2022 are presented in Table 3-15. Since
the CCT facilities were constructed, the lead and copper levels have been well below the action level.
Table 3-15 | Summary of Lead and Copper Sampling Results from 2015 through 2022
Constituent Range of Results from 2015 through 2022
Copper Concentrations (mg/L)
Copper Concentration Range <0.02 – 0.3
Copper 90th Percentile 0.091
Lead Concentrations (mg/L)
Lead Concentration Range <0.001-0.018
Lead 90th Percentile <0.001
3.2.3.3 Water Quality and Treatment Technique Violations
There were no water quality violations in the distribution system from 2015 through 2022.
3.2.4 Recent Regulatory Changes
The EPA established a health advisory for drinking water of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane
sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two commonly found Perfluorinated compounds
(PFAS). When both compounds are found in the water, the combined health advisory is also 70 ppt. The
Washington State Board of Health (Board) adopted rule changes to chapter 246-290 WAC, Group A Public
Water Supplies and WAC 246-390, Drinking Water Laboratory Certification and Data Reporting. The newly
adopted rules became effective on January 1, 2022.
The rule establishes the administrative processes for setting drinking water quality standards as State
Action Levels (SAL) and state MCLs. The rule establishes SALs for five PFAS contaminants: PFOA, PFOS,
perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
(PFBS). The rule requires Group A community and non-transient noncommunity public water systems to
test for PFAS. For those Group A water systems that have detections of PFAS, but do not exceed the SAL,
the rule requires additional ongoing monitoring, with the frequency of monitoring based upon the detected
level in comparison to the SAL. It also establishes reporting, recordkeeping, and consumer confidence
report requirements. For those Group A water systems that exceed the SAL, the rule requires follow-up
actions such as monitoring, public notification, additional recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. SALs
Page 231 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-32
for regulated PFAS compounds are shown in Table 3-16 with results from the City’s latest samples. Most
results indicated that the PFAS compounds were not detected (ND), being they were below detectable
limits. PFBS was detected at Well 1, Coal Creek Springs, and West Hill Springs, however the levels are far
below regulated levels. In more recent results received in May 2024, all samples were below detection
limits for all facilities and the City was approved for a 3-year testing schedule.
Table 3-16 | PFAS State Action Levels and Monitoring Data
PFAS
Compound
SAL
(ng/L)1
Maximum Detected Concentration
(ng/L)1
Well
1
Fulmer
Field CCT
Facility
Well
3A
Well
3B
Well
4
Well
5
Well
5A
Well
5B
Coal Creek
Springs
West Hill
Springs
PFOA 10 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
PFOS 15 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
PFHxS 65 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
PFNA 9 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
PFBS 345 2.8 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 3.1 3.0
Notes:
1. Nanograms per liter (ng/L).
2. Not detected (ND).
3.3 Design Standards
The City’s most recent Engineering Design Standards are available on the City’s website and are provided
as Appendix P. Table 3-17 highlights keys standards that are used to evaluate the capacity of the City’s
water system, summarizing both DOH criteria and City criteria. The City’s water quality design standards
follow the design standards set forth by the EPA and DOH, as discussed in Section 3.2.
Table 3-17 | System Capacity Analysis Criteria
Evaluation Type Evaluation Criteria Agency’s
Standard Water Reliability Recommendations Multiple Source 2 or more supply sources are available DOH
Backup Power
Source of supply pump stations have power connections to
two independent primary public power sources, have in-place
auxiliary power available, and/or maintain adequate gravity
standby storage
DOH
Surface Water Reliability Firm watershed yield for surface water provides 98% reliability
to meet normal, anticipated system demands. DOH
Groundwater Reliability Factor of safety is applied to well pumping test safe yield
determination. DOH Water Source Source Capacity
MDD while replenishing Fire Suppression Storage (FSS) within
72-hrs (24-hr source pumping may be assumed). DOH
ADD with largest source out of service. DOH
MDD in a pumping period of 20 hours or less of pumping. DOH
MDD with the largest active water source out of service. City Pump Stations Capacity - Open System
(sufficient storage in
zone)
ADD with largest pump out of service. DOH MDD with all pumps in service.
MDD with largest pump out of service. City
Page 232 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-33
Evaluation Type Evaluation Criteria Agency’s
Standard
Fire Flow is met from storage reservoir.
Capacity - Closed
System
(no/insufficient storage
in zone)
PHD with largest pump out of service.
DOH MDD + Fire Flow at a pressure of at least 20 psi at all points
throughout the distribution system.
PHD + Fire Flow with largest pump out of service.
City Standby power with capacity to run with any single pump out
of service. Storage Facilities Total Storage Capacity Sum of operational, equalization, standby, fire suppression,
and dead storage. DOH
Operating Storage (OS) The volume of water before sources turn on. DOH (pump off elev. – pump on elev.) x gal/ft
Equalizing Storage (ES)
(PHD – maximum supply capacity) x 150 min
DOH Min. pressure of 30 psi.
Must be provided when source pumping capacity cannot meet
the peak hourly demand.
Standby Storage (SB)
Min. standby storage of 200 gallons per ERU.
DOH Min. pressure of 20 psi.
Standby storage volume equal to one day of MDD for the
pressure zone(s) served.
Fire Suppression
Storage (FSS)
(required fire flow rate) x (duration in minutes)
DOH
Min. pressure of 20 psi.
Nested storage (same storage for Standby and Fire
Suppression Storge) requires written consent of fire protection
authority.
Dead Storage (DS)
Volume that cannot provide minimum design pressure (20 psi)
to all customers. DOH
Volume below the outlet pipe and cannot be used because of
hydraulic limitations. City Distribution System Minimum Pressures PHD at no less than 30 psi. DOH MDD + Fire Flow at no less than 20 psi.
Maximum Pressures Add individual PRVs for ADD pressures more than 80 psi. DOH
Max. target pressure of 80 psi in water distribution system. City
Maximum Velocity
No more than 8 feet per second (fps) under PHD conditions. DOH
No more than 8 fps in distribution mains and 5 fps in
transmission mains under PHD conditions.
No more than 18 fps under MDD+FF conditions.
City
Minimum Pipe Size
6-inch diameter in residential areas and 8-inch diameter in
commercial areas, unless a hydraulic analysis justifies another
size.
DOH
Single-Family Residential minimum 8-inch diameter and
Industrial/Commercial/Multi-Family minimum 12-inch
diameter.
City
Telemetry
Each parcel receiving water service shall have its own meter
City Meters shall be located as close to the water main from which
the service is taken as possible, distance not to exceed 50 feet.
Page 233 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-34
Evaluation Type Evaluation Criteria Agency’s
Standard
Meters shall be placed in landscape strips, behind the
sidewalk, or at the right-of-way limits in that order of
availability.
Meters in landscaped or unimproved areas shall be set 2
inches above the finished grade.
Maximum Valve Spacing Maximum 400-foot spacing and at the intersection of lateral
lines in all zones. City
Hydrant Spacing
Single-Family Residential maximum 600-foot spacing.
City Industrial/Commercial/Multi-Family maximum 300-foot
spacing. Fire Flow & Duration Residential Minimum 1,500 gpm at 2 hours.
City Multi-Family Residential
Minimum 2,500 gpm at 3 hours. Commercial
Industrial
3.4 Capacity Analysis
This section provides an analysis of legal and physical capacity of the water system based on the system’s
available water rights, sources, treatment, storage, and distribution components.
3.4.1 Water Rights
A summary of the City’s current water rights is presented in Table 3-18. The maximum instantaneous
allowable flow for each source (Qi) is in units of gpm. The total annual withdrawal for each source (Qa) is
in units of acre-feet per year. The City does not have any interruptible water rights.
Table 3-18 | Summary of Existing Water Rights
Water Right Primary Qi
(gpm)
Primary Qa
(acre-feet/year)
Coal Creek Springs 6,732 9,410
Well 1, 6, & 7 2,200 1,120
Well 2, 6, & 7 2,400 1,360
Well 3A & 3B, 6, & 7 2,800 3,600
Well 4, 6, and 7 2,800 3,600
Wells 5, 5A, 5B, &5C 1,000 720
Well 5A 167 0
Algona Well 500 175
Braunwood Well 20 6.5
West Hill Springs 625 1,010
TOTAL 19,244 21,002
In addition to the water rights presented above, the City also has a wholesale agreement with the City of
Tacoma and can purchase water through two interties as discussed in Chapter 1, Section 1.6.1. These two
interties are also considered to be supply facilities. The City also has several emergency interties with
adjacent purveyors.
Page 234 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-35
3.4.1.1 Analysis Criteria
Supply facilities must be reliable and provide sufficient water at pressures that meet the requirements of
WAC 246-290-230. The capacity of supply facilities in a pressure zone with adequate storage must be
sufficient to provide water at a rate that is equal to or greater than the MDD of the zone being served. This
approach assumes that demands greater than the MDD will be supplied using equalizing storage.
According to Section 3.10.5 and Section 5.4 of the 2020 DOH Water System Design Manual, water system
sources must be capable of supplying MDD and replenishing depleted within 72-hours (assuming
continuous pumping), provide MDD in a pumping period of 20 hours or less, and provide ADD with the
largest source out of order. The City’s standards have a more stringent requirement to provide MDD with
the largest active source out of service.
3.4.1.2 Analysis Results
The City’s water supply (production) capacity compared with demand projections and DOH and City criteria
are summarized in Table 3-19. It is worth noting that the water supply (production) capacity is not
synonymous with the supply water rights. The MDD and ADD values are based on the demand projections
included in Chapter 2 and include wholesale supply projections for the City of Algona. Demand allocation
for wholesale customers, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) and LMWD are not included since they do
not rely on the City as their main source of water. The FSS flow rate is calculated as the sum of the FSS for
each service area presented in Section 3.4.2.3.2, which totals 797 gpm, divided over a 72-hour period.
The results presented in Table 3-19 demonstrate that the City has the supply facilities necessary to meet
demand projections under current and future projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-19 | Supply Analysis with Largest Source Out of Service
Description 2024 Scenario 2034 Scenario 2044 Scenario
Required Supply (gpm)
FSS Replenished in 72-hours 797 797 797
Maximum Day Demand1, gpm 10,105 11,349 12,843
Average Day Demand1, gpm 5,156 5,790 6,552
Available Supply (gpm)
Largest Source (QL) – Tacoma 132nd Ave Intertie 4,500 4,500 4,500
Largest Active Source – Coal Creek Springs2 3,500 3,500 3,500
Total Sources (Qt)3,4 18,755 18,755 18,755
DOH Criteria: MDD while replenishing FSS within 72-hrs (24-hr source pumping may be assumed)
Surplus / (Deficit) of Supply, gpm 7,853 6,609 5,116
DOH Criteria: ADD with largest source out of service
Surplus / (Deficit) of Supply, gpm 9,099 8,465 7,703
DOH Criteria: MDD in a pumping period of 20 hours or less of pumping
Surplus / (Deficit) of Supply, gpm 5,524 4,280 2,787
City Criteria: MDD with largest active water supply source out of service
Surplus / (Deficit) of Supply, gpm2 5,150 3,906 2,412
Notes:
1. Current analysis does NOT include a separate allocation for wholesale customers who have not purchased water from the City since 2019 or
earlier (i.e., MIT or LMWD).
2. The City’s largest active source is Coal Creek Springs since the City has not purchased water from Tacoma since 2016.
3. Total sources are: Well 1, 2, 4, 5, 5a, and 6 (7,955 gpm), Coal Creek Springs (3,500 gpm), West Hill Springs (600 gpm), and two Tacoma Interties
(6,700 gpm).
4. Supplies do NOT include emergency interties with CWD (1,736gpm) or LMWD ( 1,736 gpm).
Page 235 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-36
The City’s Water Rights Self-Assessment Form is provided in Appendix I and was used to assess the City’s
water rights water rights and includes supply that is available to the City through firm wholesale interties
with Tacoma. The form includes a comparison of the available water rights to the existing, 10-year and 20-
year demand projections for the “High Demand Scenario” presented in Chapter 2. The calculations
presented in the Water Rights Self-Assessment Form conclude that the City’s existing water rights are
anticipated to be adequate to meet the current and 10-year projections for Qi and has sufficient Qa capacity
through the 20-year projections. Under 2044 high demand MDD conditions, the City does not have
sufficient Qi water rights to meet all demands for retail, firm wholesale and interruptible wholesale
customers. Should this occur, the City could purchase water from Tacoma through wholesale interties to
meet demands. It is worth noting that this evaluation assumes 2.5 mgd of demand from LMWD who has
an interruptible wholesale agreement with the City and would only be supplied as water is available to be
provided, so this condition is expected to be unlikely.
The City does not have all the infrastructure required to withdraw from all water rights (i.e., Wells 3A, 3B,
5B, and 7 are not currently operational). Additionally, some sources have underlying aquifer or
infrastructure restrictions that limit the capacity of the source (i.e., Well 2, Well 6, and Coal Creek Springs).
Several facility improvement projects are necessary for the City to maximize water production capacity to
meet future demands, and planned supply related capital projects to meet this need are discussed further
in Chapter 8.
3.4.2 Physical Capacity Analysis
This section includes an analysis of the physical capacity of the City’s distribution system. The specific
components analyzed include:
Pump Station Capacity Analysis
o Open Pressure Zones: Zones with storage reservoirs
o Closed Pressure Zones: Zones without storage
Storage Capacity Analysis
Hydraulic Analysis of the Distribution System
System Analysis based on ERUs
To complete the physical capacity analysis, the projected demands calculated in Chapter 2 were utilized for
the 2024 scenario (existing conditions), 2034 scenario (10-year projections) and 2044 scenario (20-year
projections). When evaluating facilities under fire flow conditions, the largest fire flow demand was utilized
in each Service Area. The fire flow required for single family residential customers is 1,500 gpm for two
hours and all other customer types have a requirement of 2,500 gpm for two hours. There are select
buildings throughout the system that require fire flow capacity in the water system that exceeds 2,500 gpm
for two hours as determined by the Fire Marshal; these individual locations and their fire flow requirements
are summarized in Table 3-20.
Table 3-20 |Buildings in Auburn with High Fire Flow Requirements
ID # Location Description Address Service Area Flow Required
(gpm)
1 RPS Distribution Center 3702 C St. NE Valley 4,000
2 Emerald Downs 2300 Emerald Downs Drive Valley 3,000
Page 236 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-37
ID # Location Description Address Service Area Flow Required
(gpm)
3 Panattoni Warehouse 816 44th ST NW Valley 4,000
4 Span Alaska Transportation Inc. 3815 W Valley Highway N Valley 3,125
5 AMB Valley Distribution Center 2202 Perimeter Road SW Valley 4,000
6 Grace Community Church 1106 12th Street SE Valley 3,750
7 Riverside High School 501 Oravetz Road SE Valley 3,000
8 Wesley Homes Senior Housing 10805 SE 320th Street Lea Hill 4,000
9 Auburn Elementary School at Lakeland 1020 Evergreen Way SE Lakeland 3,125
10 Academy Campus 5000 Auburn Way South Academy 4,000
11 MIT Casino Expansion 2402 Auburn Way South Academy 2,625
3.4.2.1 Pump Station Analysis: Open Pressure Zones
This section evaluates the pumping capacity of the water system on a zone-by-zone basis with
consideration for pump stations between zones and supply wells pumping directly into the pressure zones
that contain a storage reservoir. All reduced pressure zones are included in the open zone analysis, as they
are ultimately fed by gravity from a reservoir. Pressure zones that do not include a storage facility are
analyzed as a closed zone.
3.4.2.1.1 Valley Service Area
The Valley Service Area is the largest service area in the water system and consists of two pressure zones:
Valley 288 and Valley 242. The Valley 288 pressure zone is a transmission zone that does not directly serve
any customers. Valley 242 is the largest pressure zone in the RWSA and is draws supply from the following
facilities:
Wells 2 and 6 via the Fulmer Field CCT Facility
Coal Creek Springs and Well 1 via the Howard Road CCT Facility with transmission through Valley
288
Well 4 with transmission through Valley 288
West Hill Springs
Table 3-21 provides an overview of the total pump station capacity into the Valley Service Area compared
with demand projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-21 demonstrate that
the City has adequate pumping capacity within the open pressure zones of the Valley Service Area to meet
current and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-21 | Pumps Station Capacity for Valley Service Area Open Pressure Zones
Description Valley 2024
Scenario
Valley 2034
Scenario
Valley 2044
Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
FSS Replenished in 72-hours 222 222 222
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 7,447 8,469 9,713
Average Day Demand, gpm 3,802 4,323 4,957
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 2,800 2,800 2,800
Page 237 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-38
Description Valley 2024
Scenario
Valley 2034
Scenario
Valley 2044
Scenario
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 19,400 19,400 19,400
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (ADD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 15,598 15,077 14,443
DOH Criteria: Total Capacity (MDD + replenish FSS in 72-hours)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 11,953 10,931 9,687
City Criteria: MDD + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 9,153 8,131 6,887
3.4.2.1.2 Lea Hill Service Area
Water supply for the Lea Hill Service Area is provided by the Lea Hill Pump Station and the Green River
Pump Station. In 2014, the City added wholesale water supply from Tacoma through the 132nd Ave SW
intertie, however the City has not purchased water for consumption from Tacoma since 2016. The intertie
and pump stations feed the Lea Hill 563 pressure zone, which includes Reservoirs 4A and 4B. Therefore,
the Lea Hill and Green River Pump Stations were evaluated based on the open zone criteria. Table 3-22
provides a summary of the pump station capacity into the Lea Hill Service Area compared with demand
projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-22 demonstrate that the City has
adequate pumping capacity within the open pressure zones of the Lea Hill Service Area to meet current
and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-22 | Pump Station Capacity for Lea Hill Service Area Open Pressure Zones
Description Lea Hill 2024
Scenario
Lea Hill 2034
Scenario
Lea Hill 2044
Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
FSS Replenished in 72-hours 222 222 222
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 1,368 1,424 1,482
Average Day Demand, gpm 697 725 755
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 1,166 1,166 1,166
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 6,664 6,664 6,664
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (ADD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 5,967 5,939 5,909
DOH Criteria: Total Capacity (MDD + replenish FSS in 72-hours)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 5,296 5,240 5,182
City Criteria: MDD + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 4,130 4,074 4,016
3.4.2.1.3 Lakeland Service Area
The Lakeland Service Area is supplied from the Upland Well Field (Wells 5 and 5A) and by sources in the
Valley Service Area using the Terrace View BPS. The Terrace View BPS supplies the Lakeland 630 pressure
zone from the Valley Service Area, which is then distributed through the Service Area. Since the Lakeland
630 pressure zone contains two reservoirs (Reservoirs 5 and 6), the Terrace View BPS was evaluated based
on the open zone criteria. Table 3-23 provides a summary of the pump station capacity into the Lakeland
Page 238 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-39
Service Area compared with demand projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table
3-23 demonstrate that the City has adequate pumping capacity within the open pressure zones of the
Lakeland Service Area to meet current and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-23 | Pump Station Capacity for Lakeland Service Area Open Pressure Zones
Description Lakeland 2024
Scenario
Lakeland 2034
Scenario
Lakeland 2044
Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
FSS Replenished in 72-hours 130 130 130
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 700 799 915
Average Day Demand, gpm 356 407 466
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 500 500 500
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 1,500 1,500 1,500
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (ADD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 1,144 1,093 1,034
DOH Criteria: Total Capacity (MDD + replenish FSS in 72-hours)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 800 701 585
City Criteria: MDD + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 300 201 85
3.4.2.1.4 Academy Service Area
The Academy Service Area is supplied from the Valley Service Area using Academy Pump Station 3. The
pump station operates based on levels in Reservoirs 8A and 8B located in the Academy 531 pressure zone.
Table 3-24 provides a summary of the pump station capacity into the Academy Service Area compared with
demand projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-24 demonstrate that the
City has adequate pumping capacity within the open pressure zones of the Academy Service Area to meet
current and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-24 | Pump Station Capacity for Academy Service Area Open Pressure Zones
Description Academy 2024
Scenario
Academy 2034
Scenario
Academy 2044
Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
FSS Replenished in 72-hours 222 222 222
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 590 657 732
Average Day Demand, gpm 301 334 373
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 700 700 700
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 2,800 2,800 2,800
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (ADD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 2,499 2,466 2,427
DOH Criteria: Total Capacity (MDD + replenish FSS in 72-hours)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 2,210 2,143 2,068
Page 239 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-40
Description Academy 2024
Scenario
Academy 2034
Scenario
Academy 2044
Scenario
City Criteria: MDD + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 1,510 1,443 1,368
3.4.2.2 Booster Pump Station Analysis: Closed Pressure Zones
The City operates a closed zone in each of its Service Areas. Closed zones do not have a storage reservoir
directly serving the zone and are required to supply the peak hour demand (PHD) and fire flow via a BPS.
The BPS serving each closed pressure zone was evaluated using the closed zone criteria as defined by DOH.
3.4.2.2.1 Lakeland Hills BPS
The Lakeland Service Area has two closed pressure zones served by the Lakeland Hills BPS: Lakeland 697
and Lakeland 670. Table 3-25 provides a summary of the BPS capacity into the Lakeland closed pressure
zones compared with demand projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-25
demonstrate that the City has adequate pumping capacity within the closed pressure zones of the Lakeland
Service Area to meet current and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Table 3-25 | BPS Capacity for Lakeland Service Area Closed Pressure Zones
Description
Lakeland 670 &
697
2024 Scenario
Lakeland 670 &
697
2034 Scenario
Lakeland 670 &
697
2044 Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
Fire Flow Required, gpm 3,125 3,125 3,125
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 270 303 343
Peak Hour Demand, gpm 435 488 552
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 3,125 3,125 3,125
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 7,330 7,330 7,330
DOH Criteria: Firm Capacity (no storage; PHD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 3,770 3,717 3,653
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (no storage; MDD + FSS + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 3,935 3,902 3,862
City Criteria: PHD+ FSS + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 645 592 528
3.4.2.2.2 Academy East BPS
The Academy Service Area has one closed zone served by the Academy East BPS: Academy 585. Table 3-26
provides a summary of the BPS capacity into the Academy closed pressure zone compared with demand
projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-26 demonstrate that the City has
adequate pumping capacity within the closed pressure zones of the Academy Service Area to meet current
and future demand projections for all required criteria.
Page 240 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-41
Table 3-26 | BPS Capacity for Academy Service Area Closed Pressure Zone
Description Academy 585
2024 Scenario
2 Academy 585
2034 Scenario
Academy 585
2044 Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
Fire Flow Required, gpm 2,500 2,500 2,500
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 102 114 129
Peak Hour Demand, gpm 164 184 208
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 1,250 1,250 1,250
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 4,290 4,290 4,290
DOH Criteria: Firm Capacity (no storage; PHD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit) of Supply, gpm 2,876 2,856 2,832
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (no storage; MDD + FSS + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 1,688 1,676 1,661
City Criteria: PHD+ FSS + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 376 356 332
3.4.2.2.3 Lea Hill BPS
The Lea Hill Service Area has one closed zone served by the Lea Hill BPS: Lea Hill 648. Table 3-27 provides
a summary of the BPS capacity into the Lea Hill closed pressure zone compared with demand projections
and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table 3-27 indicate that the Lea Hill BPS is currently
deficient and cannot meet the required criteria for existing or future demands.
Table 3-27 | BPS Capacity for Lea Hill Service Area Closed Pressure Zone
Description Lea Hill 648
2024 Scenario
Lea Hill 648
2034 Scenario
Lea Hill 648
2044 Scenario
Required Capacity (gpm)
Fire Flow Required, gpm 2,500 2,500 2,500
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 129 145 164
Peak Hour Demand, gpm 207 233 264
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 1,500 1,500 1,500
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 1,800 1,800 1,800
DOH Criteria: Firm Capacity (no storage; PHD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 93 67 36
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (no storage; MDD + FSS + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm (829) (845) (864)
City Criteria: PHD+ FSS + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm (2,407) (2,433) (2,464)
The Intertie Pump Station shares a building with the Lea Hill BPS and contains pumps which were originally
purposed to serve the intertie for wholesale supply to CWD and LMWD. Since CWD and LMWD no longer
rely on the City as their primary water source, the City plans to complete facility modifications so the pumps
Page 241 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-42
at the Intertie Pump Station can serve the Lea Hill 648 pressure zone. This project is discussed further in
Chapter 8 and will resolve the deficiencies identified in Table 3-27.
3.4.2.2.4 Game Farm Park Pump Station
The Valley Service Area has one closed zone served by the Game Farm Park Pump Station: Game Farm Park
(no assigned pressure zone name). Table 3-28 provides a summary of the BPS capacity into the Valley closed
pressure zone compared with demand projections and DOH and City criteria. The results presented in Table
3-28 indicate that the Game Farm Park Pump Station is currently deficient and cannot meet the required
criteria for existing or future demands.
The Game Farm Park Pump Station provides service to a park restroom facility, two fire hydrants, and
individual RV campsites. As this is a small BPS with the single purpose of providing service to a recreational
area, and there are no residential or commercial property connections supplied by this facility, no actions
are planned to resolve this deficiency. The DOH and City criteria are geared towards providing reliable
service for residents and businesses and are not applicable for this minor facility. The City has reviewed this
condition with the Fire Marshal, and no exceptions were taken. As further development progresses in and
around the Game Farm Park Pump Station, modifications will be considered to address the deficiency.
Table 3-28 | BPS Capacity for Game Farm Park Closed Pressure Zone
Description 2024 Game Farm 2034 Game Farm 2044 Game Farm
Required Capacity (gpm)
Fire Flow Required, gpm 1,500 1,500 1,500
Maximum Day Demand, gpm 0 0 1
Peak Hour Demand, gpm 1 1 1
Available Capacity (gpm)
Largest Pump (QL), gpm 1,000 1,000 1,000
Total Pumping Capacity (Qt), gpm 1,050 1,050 1,050
DOH Criteria: Firm Capacity (no storage; PHD + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm 49 49 49
DOH Criteria: Reliable Capacity (no storage; MDD + FSS + largest pump out of service)
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm (450) (450) (451)
City Criteria: PHD+ FSS + largest pump out of service
Surplus / (Deficit), gpm (1,451) (1,451) (1,451)
3.4.2.3 Storage Analysis
This section evaluates the City’s existing water storage facilities to determine if there is sufficient capacity
to meet existing and future storage requirements of the system.
3.4.2.3.1 Components of Storage
The City currently maintains a total of 15.7 MG of water storage in eight reservoirs located throughout the
service area. Each Service Area has two reservoirs, providing redundancy for cleaning and maintenance.
Historically, the City has evaluated each Service Area independently. However, new sources, pump stations,
and PRV facilities now allow for reliable and redundant operation of the system as an interconnected whole,
rather than as separate Service Areas. The storage analysis reflects the new operational ability by allowing
Page 242 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-43
sharing of emergency storage between the Service Areas. The existing infrastructure and customer
expectations still require that other storage components, such as FSS, be stored in individual Service Areas.
Water storage requirements are typically defined by the following components: operational storage,
equalizing storage, standby storage, fire suppression storage, and dead storage. A description of each
storage component and the criteria used to evaluate the capacity of the City’s reservoirs is as follows:
Operational Storage: Operational storage is used to supply the water system under normal demand
conditions and provides pump protection to avoid frequent starting and stopping of pumps for
pump stations that are used to fill reservoirs. The operational storage is calculated per the DOH
Design Manual as the pump supply firm capacity (in gpm) times 2.5-minutes.
Equalizing Storage: When the source pumping capacity cannot meet the periodic daily (or longer)
peak demands placed on the water system, equalizing storage must be provided as a part of the
total storage for the system and must be available at 30 psi to all service connections. The criteria
for determining the equalizing storage requirements for the City’s system is based on the equalizing
calculation in the DOH Design Manual (refer to equation 7-1).
Standby Storage: Standby storage is the portion of the reservoir used to supply the water system
when supply facilities are out of service. DOH allows water systems with multiple sources to require
that standby volume be supplied with the largest supply source out of service but recommends a
minimum standby storage of 200 gallons per ERU in the system. The City calculates standby storage
as the maximum volume required to supply all ERUs at least 240 gallons (based on the DOH
minimum times a 20 percent factor of safety).
Fire Suppression Storage (FSS): FSS is the portion of the reservoir with sufficient volume to supply
water to the system at the maximum rate and duration required to extinguish a fire at the building
with the highest fire flow requirement. The required volume of the FSS is the product of the fire
flow rate and duration of the system’s maximum fire flow requirement.
Dead Storage: Dead storage is the bottom portion of the reservoir that cannot be used because
water is stored at an elevation that is too low to provide sufficient system pressure (below 20 psi
at the highest elevation served by the reservoir). This unusable storage occupies the lower portion
of many ground-level standpipe-type reservoirs. When the highest service elevation is not the
limiting factor, the City defines dead storage as being 1-foot above the reservoir inlet elevation for
operational reasons.
The City’s reservoir storage requirements depend on the water system’s configuration, seasonal and daily
variation in water-use patterns, and the reliability of various water system components. This section
describes the five components of storage, summarizes the existing system’s capacity to meet the storage
needs of each Service Area, and makes recommendations to address identified storage deficits.
Page 243 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-44
Figure 3-7 | Illustration of Reservoir Storage Components
3.4.2.3.2 Storage Analysis Results
The storage available in the four Service Areas was evaluated to confirm each is provided with the required
usable Operational, Equalizing, Fire Suppression, and Emergency Storage volumes. Reflecting the
interconnectedness of the system, excess storage in higher Service Areas (i.e., Lea Hill, Lakeland and
Academy) can be used in the Valley Service Area and vice versa through use of the system pump stations.
The storage analysis compares the required storage, based on the criteria in Table 3-17, and the available
storage. The FSS for each region was calculated using 4,000 gpm for four hours except for Lakeland, which
used 3,125 gpm for three hours based on buildings with the highest fire flow requirement in each Service
Area (see Table 3-20).
Table 3-29 summarizes the existing 2024 storage analysis and results. The results indicate a deficit in the
Lea Hill Service Area, however, this deficit is offset by surplus storage available in other Service Areas.
Table 3-29 | System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2024 Scenario
Description RWSA 2024 Academy 2024 Lakeland 2024 Lea Hill 2024 Valley 2024
Usable Storage (MG)
Maximum Storage Capacity 15.68 2.72 1.88 2.48 8.60
Dead Storage 1.34 0.06 0.27 0.36 0.64
Total Usable Storage 14.35 2.66 1.61 2.12 7.96
Required Storage (MG)
Operational Storage 0.05 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.03
Equalizing Storage 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Standby Storage (Emergency) 9.30 0.57 0.68 1.32 6.73
FSS (Emergency) 3.44 0.96 0.56 0.96 0.96
Total Required Storage 12.80 1.54 1.25 2.29 7. 73
Surplus/ (Deficit) Storage 1.54 1.12 0.37 (0.18) 0.24
Table 3-30 summarizes the 2034 storage analysis and results (10-year projections). The results indicate a
deficit in the Lea Hill and Valley Service Areas, however, this deficit is offset by surplus storage available in
other Service Areas.
Page 244 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-45
Table 3-30 | System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2034 Scenario
Description RWSA 2034 Academy 2034 Lakeland 2034 Lea Hill 2034 Valley 2034
Usable Storage (MG)
Maximum Storage Capacity 15.68 2.72 1.88 2.48 8.60
Dead Storage 1.34 0.06 0.27 0.36 0.64
Total Usable Storage 14.35 2.66 1.61 2.12 7.96
Required Storage (MG)
Operational Storage 0.05 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.03
Equalizing Storage 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00
Standby Storage (Emergency) 10.48 0.63 0.77 1.38 7.69
FSS (Emergency) 3.44 0.96 0.56 0.96 0.96
Total Required Storage 14.00 1.60 1.37 2.34 8.69
Surplus/ (Deficit) Storage 0.34 1.05 0.25 (0.23) (0.73)
The 2044 storage analysis was performed to determine the ability of the proposed storage facilities to meet
the future storage requirements in 2044, based on projected demands. The analysis results indicate that
the existing storage facilities do not have sufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the system
based on the demand projections presented in Chapter 2. The City is currently planning a new reservoir in
the Valley Service area to address these future deficiencies in the 20-year time frame. Table 3-31
summarizes the buildout 2044 storage analysis.
Table 3-31 summarizes the 2044 storage analysis and results (20-year projections). The results indicate an
overall deficit in the RWSA, spurred largely by the projected growth within the Valley Service Area in the
20-year horizon.
Table 3-31 | System-Wide Storage Analysis for the 2044 Scenario
Description RWSA 2044 Academy 2044 Lakeland 2044 Lea Hill 2044 Valley 2044
Usable Storage (MG)
Maximum Storage Capacity 15.69 2.72 1.89 2.48 8.60
Dead Storage 1.34 0.06 0.27 0.36 0.64
Total Usable Storage 14.35 2.66 1.61 2.12 7.96
Required Storage (MG)
Operational Storage 0.05 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.03
Equalizing Storage 0.19 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.14
Standby Storage (Emergency) 11.89 0.71 0.88 1.43 8.87
FSS Storage (Emergency) 3.44 0.96 0.56 0.96 0.96
Total Required Storage 15.58 0.98 1.51 2.40 10.00
Surplus/ (Deficit) Storage (1.24) 0.98 0.11 (0.29) (2.04)
Since most of the future storage deficiency is in the Valley Service Area, a new storage reservoir is planned
in the northeastern portion of the Service Area (Valley 242 pressure zone). The reservoir is a planned capital
project to be completed in the 20-year horizon and is discussed further in Chapter 8.
Page 245 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-46
The Lea Hill PS has sufficient capacity to transfer standby storage from Valley to Lea Hill. In addition, there
are multiple PRVs which can be used to transfer water from the Academy and Lakeland Service Areas back
to Valley to utilize excess standby storage in those areas. No other projects are necessary to resolve this
deficiency.
3.4.2.4 Distribution and Transmission Capacity Analysis
This section evaluates the City’s existing distribution and transmission mains to determine if the water
pipelines are sized and looped adequately to provide the required flow and pressures to meet existing and
future system conditions. The evaluation used an updated version of the City’s computerized hydraulic
water system model and InfoWater Pro, a GIS-based modeling software developed by Autodesk (formerly
Innovyze). The model was updated to accurately reflect the City’s existing water system and verified against
field hydrant test data. Results from the model were used to evaluate the existing system and identify
deficiencies.
3.4.2.4.1 Model Update
The following updates were made to the City’s hydraulic model prior to conducting the capacity analyses:
Facility updates
Pipeline network updates
Elevation updates
Demand updates
Each update is described in further detail below.
Facility Updates
Existing facilities within the hydraulic model were reviewed and updated based on information provided by
the City. The facilities reviewed included groundwater wells, springs, interties with adjacent water systems,
potable water reservoirs, pump stations, treatment facilities, flow control valves, and PRVs. The following
documents were used to confirm the accuracy of the facility information within the hydraulic model:
Interlocal agreements
Record drawings
PRV calibration records
Pump curves
SCADA data
Operations and maintenance data
Pipeline Network Updates
The existing pipeline network within the hydraulic model was compared to the City’s existing GIS data to
locate areas where pipelines may have been missing in the model. In addition, the pipeline material type
was added to the model to match data available from GIS to more accurately reflect the existing distribution
system.
Elevation Updates
Node elevations within the model were updated using United States Geological Survey (USGS) Digital
Elevation Model (DEM). The DEM is a tile of the 3-Dimenional Elevation Program (3DEP) with data that is
updated regularly and distributed in geographic coordinates in units conforming with the North American
Page 246 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-47
Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). All elevation values are in meters and, over the contiguous United States, are
referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). The assigned elevations were
converted to feet when applied to the model.
In addition to the general elevation update of the model nodes, the record drawings of the water reservoirs
were used to verify the bottom and overflow elevations of the reservoirs within the model. Where
necessary based on date, the as-built elevations were corrected to NAVD88 values, as some of the
reservoirs were constructed using National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29). A conversion of
3.51 feet was used to update elevations from NGVD 29 to NAVD 88.
Demand Updates
Demands in the model were updated using the City’s customer billing database. The meters were
geolocated based on the customer’s address and assigned to the closest model junction. No demands were
allocated to transmission pipelines or facility nodes (i.e., pump station, reservoirs, etc.). Approximately 10
percent of the demand was unable to be allocated using this method. The remaining demand and non-
billed usage, like DSL and construction meters, was distributed uniformly throughout the model by applying
a scaling factor to match the 2022 production data. The demand sets in the model sought to distribute the
demand projections provided in Chapter 2. A scaling factor was then applied to all demand nodes to equal
the demand projection in years 2024.
As discussed in Chapter 2, TAZ data was used to determine growth projections and the future water
demand. Based on the TAZ data, each Service Area was split between focused growth areas and non-growth
areas. Future demands were allocated equally across all current demand nodes within the focused growth
and non-growth areas of each Service Area. Demand peaking factors from Chapter 2 were used to adjust
demands to MDD for the fire flow analyses and PHD for the pressure analysis.
3.4.2.4.2 Model Calibration
To verify and calibrate the hydraulic model, the City collected field hydrant testing data. A map of the
hydrant testing locations and testing plan is included in Appendix K. The City also collected static pressure
at the test locations to verify the hydraulic grade line (HGL) of specific areas of the water system.
In addition to the hydrant tests results, the boundary conditions of the water system facilities at the time
of each test were provided. The boundary conditions were used to calculate the demand observed during
each test. The boundary conditions were also entered into the model for each hydrant test to accurately
simulate the system conditions during the hydrant test. At most locations, hydrants were operated to stress
the system to identify required changes to the boundary conditions and pipe roughness factors (C-factors)
within the hydraulic model.
A fire flow calibration scenario was set up within the hydraulic model and each of the hydrant test locations
was simulated. Appendix K provides the field flow data compared to the flow data input into the model and
a comparison of the static pressures and pressure drops observed at each hydrant test. Table 3-32
summarizes the final Hazen Williams C-factors used during the calibration based on piping material.
Page 247 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-48
Table 3-32 | Final C-Factors for Piping Materials
Material C-Factor
Cast Iron 90-120
Concrete 120
Ductile Iron 120
HDPE 130
PVC 130
RCP 120
Steel 120
Unknown 115
Valley Service Area
A total of 16 hydrant tests were conducted in the Valley Service Area, however the results from one test
were excluded as the static pressure was not recorded. The static pressure and pressure drop in the
calibrated model is now within 5 psi, or less, of the observed data for each of the hydrant tests.
Lea Hill Service Area
A total of nine hydrant tests were conducted in the Lea Hill Service Area. The static pressure and pressure
drop in the calibrated model is now within 5 psi, or less, of the observed data for each of the hydrant tests.
The HGL from the hydrant testing was higher than the reported HGL in the hydraulic model for the Lea Hill
462 pressure zone. The PRV setpoints were referenced to confirm the higher HGL observed during the
hydrant testing. As such, the naming for the pressure zone was updated to Lea Hill 480. The update and
supporting calculations are included in Appendix K.
Academy Service Area
A total of five hydrant tests were conducted in the Academy Service Area. The static pressure and pressure
drop in the calibrated model is now within 5 psi, or less, of the observed data for each of the hydrant tests.
The HGL from the hydrant testing was higher than the reported HGL in the hydraulic model for the Academy
350 and Academy 445 pressure zones. The PRV setpoints were referenced to confirm the higher HGL
observed during the hydrant testing. As such, the naming for each pressure zone was updated to Academy
400 and Academy 470 respectively. The updates and supporting calculations are included in Appendix K.
Lakeland Service Area
A total of ten hydrant tests were conducted in the Lakeland Service Area, however the results from one
test were excluded as the recorded static pressure was determined to be incorrect. The static pressure and
pressure drop in the calibrated model is now within 5 psi, or less, of the observed data for each of the
hydrant tests.
The HGL from the hydrant testing varied from the reported HGL in the hydraulic model for the Lakeland
440, Lakeland 441, Lakeland 446, and Lakeland 485 pressure zones. The PRV setpoints were referenced to
confirm the HGLs observed during the hydrant tests. As such, the naming for each pressure zone was
updated as follows:
Lakeland 440 pressure zone was split into two pressure zones: Lakeland 450 and Lakeland 405.
Page 248 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-49
Lakeland 441 pressure zone was updated to Lakeland 385
Lakeland 446 pressure zone was updated to Lakeland 415
Lakeland 485 pressure zone was updated to Lakeland 455.
The hydrant test for Lakeland 575 was not simulated in the model as observed in the field since a static
pressure of 101 psi was recorded during the hydrant test. According to the PRV setpoints, the HGL on the
test date was anticipated to be an error. The City re-checked the hydrant on February 8, 2024, and a static
pressure of 69 psi was recorded. It was concluded that the original hydrant test data was inaccurate, and
the test was voided. The Lakeland 575 pressure zone was updated to Lakeland 560 instead based on the
PRV setpoints and static pressure reading completed in February 2024. The updates and supporting
calculations are included in Appendix K.
3.4.2.4.3 Hydraulic Analysis
PHD Analysis
During PHD conditions, the water system must maintain a minimum pressure of 30 psi at all service nodes,
a maximum velocity of 8 fps in wall water mains, and a maximum velocity of 5 fps in all transmission mains
in accordance with DOH and City standards. The hydraulic model was set up to evaluate pressures and
velocities throughout the system under PHD conditions for the 2024 (existing conditions), 2034 (10-year),
and 2044 (20-year) scenarios. The results of this analysis are shown in Figure 3-8, Figure 3-9, and Figure
3-10 respectively. The results of this analysis indicate that all areas of the water system meet these
requirements under existing and future conditions.
Page 249 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-50
Figure 3-8 | 2024 PHD Scenario – Pressure and Velocity
Page 250 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-51
Figure 3-9 | 2034 PHD Scenario – Pressure and Velocity
Page 251 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-52
Figure 3-10 | 2044 PHD Scenario – Pressure and Velocity
Page 252 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-53
Fire Flow Analysis
The fire flow analysis assesses each hydrant node in the hydraulic model to determine the available fire
flow while maintaining a minimum residual pressure of 20 psi throughout the respective pressure zone. To
complete the analysis, the water elevation in each reservoir was set to top of dead storage (below
operational, equalizing and standby storage) per DOH recommendations. In addition, the system demands
were set to MDD for each scenario (2024, 2034 and 2044). For each node, the modeled available fire flow
was compared to its target fire flow requirement as follows:
Single Family Residential Meters: 1,500 gpm of fire flow required.
All Other Meters (i.e., multi-family, commercial, etc.): 2,500 gpm of fire flow required.
Specific Buildings with Higher Fire Flow Requirements: Assessed individually per Table 3-20.
Fire flow requirements were assigned to the model nodes based on account classifications of the assigned
water meters. Where multiple meters with different account classifications were assigned to the same
node, the highest fire flow requirement was assigned to the node. The hydrant locations provided in the
City’s GIS system do not correspond to the exact location of the hydrant node in the model. Therefore, the
nodes that were predicted to have fire flow below what is required were checked based on their proximity
to the nearest hydrant to verify whether the appropriate hydrant could provide the required fire. As shown
in Figure 3-11 the results of this analysis indicated that multiple areas of the system under current and
future demand conditions have fire flow deficiencies. A summary of the proposed pipeline improvements
to resolve the deficiencies is shown in Figure 3-12 and summarized in Table 3-33. Figure 3-12 also includes
on-going projects currently being completed by the City or developers.
Valley Service Area
Multiple deficiencies are identified in the Valley Service Area. The highest priority project assists with raising
the HGL of the highest critical node on the west side of the RWSA. This project will increase the available
fire flow at most of the western failure locations. The remaining improvements assist with specific failure
locations by upsizing water mains experiencing significant headloss.
Additionally, a new PRV facility is proposed to rezone a portion of the Valley 242 pressure zone to the
Academy 350 pressure zone to resolve deficiencies in the area. This PRV facility will also allow storage
transfer from the Academy Service Area where this is surplus storage to the Valley Service Area to resolve
a 2034 storage deficit projections. This project is discussed further in Chapter 8.
Lakeland Service Area
There were no failure locations identified within the Lakeland Service Area for the existing and future
demand conditions.
Lea Hill Service Area
Multiple deficiencies are identified in the Lea Hill Service Area. The highest priority project in this area is to
rezone a portion of Lea Hill 563 pressure zone to the Lea Hill 648 pressure zone. In addition, deficiencies
were noted in the northern part of Lea Hill 563, in the vicinity of 112th Avenue, 290th Street, 295th Street,
and 293rd Street. These pipelines were replaced recently and provide an available fire flow of
approximately 1,350 gpm after the rezoning of the Lea Hill 563 pressure zone is completed. Therefore, a
project was not proposed in this area and was confirmed with the Fire Marshal. The remaining
improvements assist with specific failure locations by upsizing water mains experiencing significant
headloss.
Page 253 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-54
Academy Service Area
Multiple deficiencies are identified in the Academy Service Area. The planned Oak Vista Development
provides a significant increase in available fire flow in Academy 585 pressure zone. The remaining
improvements assist with specific failure locations by upsizing pipelines with high predicted headloss.
Page 254 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-55
Figure 3-11 | MDD+FF Deficiency Locations for 2024, 2034 and 2044 Scenarios
Page 255 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-56
Figure 3-12 | Capital Improvement Projects Addressing Fire Flow Deficiencies
Page 256 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-57
Table 3-33 | Prioritized Pipeline Improvements to Address Fire Flow Deficiencies
Project
Priority
Service
Area Project ID Summary of Deficiency Summary of Improvements
1 Valley P-FF-VLY-8 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 500 gpm
Replace existing with 3,200 LF of 16-inch
diameter piping.
2 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-3 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 690 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
3 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-7 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm.
Replace existing with 180 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping. Move hydrant
connection to higher zone.
4 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-5 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 1,080 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping and 1,170 LF of 16-inch
diameter piping.
5 Valley P-FF-VLY-15 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 1,320 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
6 Valley P-FF-VLY-6 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 3,590 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping.
7 Valley P-FF-VLY-7 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 7,9840 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping and 4,380 LF of 12-inch
piping.
8 Valley P-FF-VLY-13 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 1,290 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
9 Valley P-FF-VLY-12 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,000 gpm
Replace existing with 1,440 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping and 550 LF of 12-inch
piping.
10 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-1 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 4,540 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping.
11 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-2 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 1,300 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping.
12 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-6 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 2,470 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
13 Academy P-FF-ACA-2 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm.
Replace existing with 590 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping.
14 Academy P-FF-ACA-1 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm.
Replace existing with 500 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
15 Lea Hill P-FF-LH-4 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 340 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping.
16 Valley P-FF-VLY-9 2024 Scenario: Multiple
hydrants less than 1,500 gpm
Replace existing with 190 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping and 5,765 LF of 12-inch
piping.
17 Valley P-FF-VLY-14 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 510 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
18 Valley P-FF-VLY-2 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 910 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
19 Valley P-FF-VLY-17 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 170 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping and 1,270 LF of 12-inch
piping.
20 Valley P-FF-VLY-4 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 2,610 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
Page 257 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-58
Project
Priority
Service
Area Project ID Summary of Deficiency Summary of Improvements
21 Valley P-FF-VLY-10
2024 Scenario: 4-inch Cast
Iron near 1,500 gpm dead
end
Replace existing with 320 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
22 Valley P-FF-VLY-3 2024 Scenario: Hydrant less
than 1,500 gpm available.
Replace existing with 1,010 LF of 8-inch
diameter piping and 660 LF of 12-inch
piping. Complete P-FF-VLY-8 has higher
priority for initial improvement in this
area.
23 Valley P-FF-VLY-1 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 960 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
24 Valley P-FF-VLY-11 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 1,630 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
25 Valley P-FF-VLY-16 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 390 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
26 Valley P-FF-VLY-5 2024 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 750 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
27 Academy P-FF-ACA-3 2044 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 380 LF of 12-inch
diameter piping.
28 Academy P-FF-ACA-4 2044 Scenario: Hydrants less
than 2,500 gpm
Replace existing with 1,040 LF of 16-inch
diameter piping.
3.4.2.5 System Capacity Analysis Results
Chapter 2 of this WSP calculated the ADD ERU planning value to be at 182 gallons per day per Equivalent
Residential Units (gpd/ERU) and an MDD ERU planning value of 358 gpd/ERU. An analysis of the water
system’s overall physical capacity in terms of ERU using DOH Worksheet 4-1 is provided in Appendix V.
Demand projection values include retail customer demands, distribution system losses, authorized unbilled
consumption, and wholesale demand from Algona. Projections for MIT and LMWD are not included since
they do not rely on the City as their main source of water.
The results of the ERU analysis included in Appendix V are summarized in Table 3-34. The analysis indicates
that the existing system has sufficient capacity to serve the current and projected water demands through
2034 (10-year planning horizon). Under 2024 and 2034 demand conditions, storage is the limiting system
component for growth and development. In 2044 (20-year planning horizon) storage is deficient, which is
consistent with the analysis findings summarized in Section 3.4.2.3 and is planned to be resolved with a
new reservoir project included in Chapter 8.
Table 3-34 | System Capacity Analysis in ERU Basis
Description of Capacity Parameter 2024 2034 2044
Demands per ERU Basis
Average Day Demand, gpd/ERU 182 182 182
Maximum Day Demand, gpd/ERU 358 358 358
Peak Hour Demand, gpd/ERU 576 576 576
Projected Retail Customer Demand, ERUs 38,760 43,659 49,553
Algona (Wholesale) Projected ADD, ERUs 2,005 2,120 2,246
Algona (Wholesale) Projected MDD, ERUs 1,202 1,271 1,347
Page 258 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-59
Description of Capacity Parameter 2024 2034 2044
Total ERUs Required for Qa Analysis (ADD), ERUs 40,765 45,779 51,799
Total ERUs Required for Qi and Qs Analysis (MDD), ERUs 39,962 44,930 50,899
Source Capacity (Qi)
Total Supply Capacity, Qi (20 hours of pumping), gpd 23,092,800 23,092,800 23,092,800
Maximum Day Demand, gpd/ERU 358 358 358
Maximum Supply Capacity, ERUs 64,580 64,580 64,580
Projected MDD Demand, ERUs 39,962 44,930 50,899
Remaining Qi Capacity Surplus/(Deficit), ERUs 24,618 19,650 13,681
Water Rights (Qa)
Supply Capacity, Qa (Total), gpd 18,749,377 18,749,377 18,749,377
Average Day Demand, gpd/ERU 182 182 182
Maximum Supply Capacity, ERUs 102,938 102,938 102,938
Projected ADD Demand, ERUs 40,765 45,779 51,799
Remaining Qa Capacity Surplus/(Deficit), ERUs 62,173 57,159 51,139
Pumping Capacity (Qs)
Total Pumping Capacity, Qs (20 hours of pumping), gpd 22,506,000 22,506,000 22,506,000
Maximum Day Demand, gpd/ERU 358 358 358
Maximum Supply Capacity, ERUs 62,939 62,939 62,939
Projected MDD Demand, ERUs 39,962 44,930 50,899
Remaining Pumping Capacity Surplus/(Deficit), ERUs 23,977 18,009 12,040
Storage Capacity
Maximum Usable Storage Capacity, MG 14.35 14.35 14.35
Available Standby and Equalization Storage Capacity, MG 10.85 10.85 10.85
Standby Storage Requirement, gal/ERU 240 240 240
Equalizing Storage Requirement, gal/ERU - - -
Maximum Storage Capacity, ERUs 45,209 45,209 45,209
Projected Retail System ERUs 38,760 43,659 49,553
Remaining Storage Capacity Surplus/(Deficit), ERUs 6,449 1,550 (4,344)
System Capacity Analysis Summary
Limiting Component of System Capacity Surplus/ (Deficit), ERUs 6,449 1,550 (4,344)
3.4.3 New Source of Supply Analysis
The City has a pending water right application for 13,443 acre-feet from the existing Wells 6 and 7 and a
future Well 8. The location of the future Well 8 has not yet been determined but is expected to be located
near Wells 6 and 7. Flows from future Well 8 would be treated at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility. It is
anticipated that water quality from Well 8 would be similar to Wells 6 and 7 and may require manganese
treatment.
Calculations presented in the Water Rights Self-Assessment Form (Appendix I) conclude that the City’s
existing water rights are anticipated to be adequate to meet the current and 10-year projections for
maximum instantaneous flows (Qi) and total annual withdrawal (Qa). Under 2044 high demand MDD
conditions, the City does not have sufficient Qi water rights to meet all demands for retail, firm wholesale
Page 259 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-60
and interruptible wholesale customers. Should this occur, the City could purchase water from Tacoma
through wholesale interties to meet demands. It is worth noting that this evaluation assumes 2.5 mgd of
demand from LMWD who has an interruptible wholesale agreement with the City and would only be
supplied as water is available to be provided, so this condition is expected to be unlikely.
The City has established a policy of maintaining the capability to supply the MDD while the largest water
source is out of service. The system analysis documented in this chapter confirms that, with projected
demands over the 20-year planning period, the City will maintain the capability to meet MDD with the
largest pumping source is out of service with the use of the Tacoma interties as an available source.
Mitigation obligations due to the proposed water right for Wells 6, 7, and 8 are listed below and are
described in detail in the Conceptual Mitigation Plan (Appendix S):
Mitigation of impacts to Green River,
Mitigation of impacts to White River, and
Mitigation of impacts to Mill Creek.
Water Use Efficiency measures described in Chapter 4 will be applied to the expanded supplies from Wells
6 and 7 and the new supply from Well 8 if the pending water right is approved.
Aside from the pending water right application, the City has several projects planned over the 20-year
horizon to improve supply production or fully utilize their existing water rights, as discussed in Section 3.1.2.
3.5 Summary of System Deficiencies
Table 3-35 provides a summary of the system deficiencies described in this chapter. Proposed
improvements include pump station improvements, storage improvements, and distribution system
improvements. Total project costs and the anticipated source of funding for each project are provided in
Chapter 8.
Table 3-35 | Summary of System Deficiencies
CIP
Improvement
Classification of
Deficiency Description of Project Solution
Location in
WSP Where
Deficiency is
Identified
Location in WSP
Where Analysis
Demonstrates
Deficiency will be
Addressed by Project
Supply
Improvements
Reliability,
Resiliency
• Coal Creek Springs
Rehabilitation
• Well 2 Replacement
• Well 2 and Well 6 Cleaning
Program
• Wells 5/5A Upgrades
• Well 7 Back-up Power
• Algona Well 1 Study
Section 3.1.2 Section 3.1.2 and
Chapter 8
Page 260 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
System Analysis and Asset Management Page 3-61
CIP
Improvement
Classification of
Deficiency Description of Project Solution
Location in
WSP Where
Deficiency is
Identified
Location in WSP
Where Analysis
Demonstrates
Deficiency will be
Addressed by Project
Treatment
Improvements Reliability
• Wells 3A/3B Treatment
• Well 5 Chlorination
• Well 7 Treatment
• Coal Creek Springs
Chlorination Building
Replacement
• Wells 1 and 4 On-site
Chlorination Improvements
• Fulmer Field CCT Facility
Chlorination Improvements
Section 3.1.3 Section 3.1.3and
Chapter 8
Storage
Improvements
Growth, Fire Flow,
Reliability,
Resiliency
• Reservoir 2 Valve
Improvements
• Reservoirs 4 and 8 Seismic
Rehabilitation
• Additional storage in the
Valley Service Area
Section 3.1.4
and Section
3.4.6
Section 3.1.4, Section
3.4.6, and Chapter 8
Pump Station
Improvements
Reliability, Fire
Flow
• Modifications to Lea Hill
BPS/Intertie PS Section 3.4.5 Section 3.4.5 and
Chapter 8
Distribution
Improvements Growth, Fire Flow
• Coal Creek Springs
Transmission Improvements
• West Hill Springs
Transmission Improvements
• Replacing and upsizing
pipelines where needed
Section 3.1.2
and Section
3.4.7
Section 3.1.2, Section
3.4.7, and Chapter 8
Page 261 of 348
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 262 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-1
CHAPTER 4
Water Use Efficiency Program
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the water system’s program to improve water use efficiency
(WUE). WUE contributes to the long-term water supply reliability and promotes good stewardship of the
state’s water resources.
This chapter addresses the following topics.
4.1 Source and Service Metering
4.2 Distribution System Leakage
4.3 Water Use Efficiency Program
4.4 Water Use Efficiency Savings
4.5 Climate Change Resiliency
Table 4-1 lists the requirements of the WUE Rules from the DOH 2020 Water Use Efficiency Guidebook and
reflects the City’s level of compliance with these requirements.
Table 4-1 | WUE Rule Requirements
Category Requirement City of Auburn Compliance Status
Meters
Meter all sources.Yes, all sources are metered.
Meter all service connections.Yes, all services are metered.
Data Collection
Provide annual consumption by customer class.Yes, provided in Section 2.2.2.
Provide “seasonal variations” consumption by
customer class.Yes, provided in Section 2.5.
Evaluate reclaimed water opportunities.Yes, provided in Section 4.3.5.
Consider water use efficiency rate structure.Yes, the City has an inverted block rate
structure to promote conservation.
Provide monthly and annual production for each
source.Yes, provided in Section 2.3.1.
Distribution System Leakage
Calculate annual volume and percent using
formula defined in WUE Rules.
Yes, distribution leakage is calculated and
reported in Section 4.2.
Report annually: annual leakage volume, annual
leakage percent, and for systems not fully
metered, meter installation progress and leak
minimization activities.
Yes, distribution leakage is reported to DOH
on an annual basis.
Develop water loss control action plan (if leakage
is over 10% for 3-year average).
N/A, system has a 3-year average water loss
of less than 10%.
Goals
Establish measurable (in terms of water
production or usage) conservation goals and re-
Yes, measurable goals were established via a
public process. See Section 4.3.3.
Page 263 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-2
Category Requirement City of Auburn Compliance Status
establish every 6 years. Provide schedule for
achieving goals.
Use a public process to establish goals.
Report annually on progress.Yes, report submitted annually to DOH.
WUE Program
Describe existing conservation plan.Yes, see Section 4.3.
Estimate water saved over last 6 years due to
conservation program.Yes, see Section 4.3.1.
Describe conservation goals.Yes, see Section 4.3.3.
Implement or evaluate 1-12 measures,
depending on size. Nine measures for City of
Auburn.
Yes, see Section 4.3.4.
Describe conservation programs for next 6 years
including schedule, budget, and funding
mechanism.
Yes, see Section 4.3.6.
Describe how customers will be educated on
efficiency practices.Yes, see Section 4.3.4.
Estimate projected water savings from selected
measures.Yes, see Section 4.4.
Describe how efficiency program will be
evaluated for effectiveness.Yes, see Section 4.3.1.
Estimate leakage from transmission lines (if not
included in distribution system leakage).
N/A, transmission line leakage included in
distribution system leakage as system does
not have true transmission lines.
Demand Forecast
Provide demand forecast reflecting no additional
conservation.
Provide demand forecast reflecting all “cost
effective” evaluated measures.
Yes, provided in Section 4.4.
Performance Reports
Develop annual report including goals and
progress towards meeting them, total annual
production, annual leakage volume and percent
and, for systems not fully metered, status of
meter installation and actions taken to minimize
leakage.
Submit annually by July 1 to DOH and customers
and make available to the public.
Yes, reports will be submitted annually to
DOH.
4.1 Source and Service Metering
4.1.1 Source Meters
Source meters, also known as production meters, measure the amount of water emitted from the City’s
springs and wells. Each of the City’s sources are metered to measure the amount of water produced. The
meters are calibrated annually by an outside contractor under the direction of the Water Operations
Supervisor to ensure an accurate accounting of water produced. If a meter cannot be calibrated properly,
Page 264 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-3
it is replaced with a new one. Propeller source meters are being replaced with electromagnetic (MAG)
meters in conjunction with planned capital improvements projects, or as the budget allows.
Table 4-2 | Source Meter Details
Source Meter ID Manufacturer Meter Type Meter Size Years in Service Date of Last
Calibration
Coal Creek Springs Siemens Magnetic 24-inch 26 August 2023
West Hill Springs Siemens Magnetic 10-inch 10 Unknown
Algona Well 1 N/A N/A Not in use Not in use Not in use
Valley Well 1 Siemens Magnetic 12-inch 14 August 2023
Valley Well 2 Siemens Magnetic 10-inch 24 August 2022
Valley Well 3A Sparling Turbine Not in use Not in use Not in use
Valley Well 3B Sparling Turbine Not in use Not in use Not in use
Valley Well 4 Siemens Magnetic 12-inch 391 August 2023
Lakeland Well 5 Sparling Turbine 8-inch 411 August 2023
Lakeland Well 5A Siemens Magnetic 4-inch 34 August 2023
Lakeland Well 5B Siemens Magnetic Not in use Not in use Not in use
Valley Well 6 Siemens Magnetic 12-inch 241 August 2023
Valley Well 7 Sparling Turbine Not in use Not in use Not in use
Note:
1. Years in service assumed to be from source’s original construction date.
4.1.2 Service Meters
Water meters are installed on every service line to measure the quantity of water used by a customer per
WAC 246-290-496 and City Code Chapter 13.06.320. All new direct service connections must be metered
at the time-of-service activation per WAC 246-290-496(2)(d). All meters shall remain the property of the
City and shall not be removed except by the City. In all cases where meters are lost, damaged or broken by
carelessness, negligence, or willful actions of owners/operators of premises, they shall be replaced or
repaired by or under the direction of the City. The actual cost of repairs or replacement of meters will be
charged against the owners/operators. In case of nonpayment of fees, fines, charges, or penalties, the
water shall be shut off and will not be turned on until all charges are paid.
In 2015, the City began installing an Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, as a part of the
Water Meter and Billing System Improvements project, which was completed in 2018. With the new AMI
system, the City automatically receives meter reads via radio transmission and can integrate the data into
the billing software. The benefits of an AMI system include increased accuracy and efficiency, early leak
detection, and improved customer service. The AMI system is anticipated to have a 20-year life, including
the system components and batteries in the radios.
In conjunction with the AMI system installation, the City also completed a meter changeout in 2018. Since
2015, the City has installed 15,156 meters, ranging in size from ¾ inch to ten inches. Meter replacement
will be on a 20-year program to coincide with the AMI system. Large source meters and three-inch and
larger commercial meters will be tested and calibrated annually. Small meters (less than three inches) are
not calibrated.
All new service connections under three inches, in addition to repairs, retrofits or replacements of existing
services, are typically conducted by Water Distribution Staff unless unusual circumstances arise. Meter
Page 265 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-4
services consist of meters, meter vaults, meter boxes, service lines, valves, setters, re-setters, and other
associated equipment.
Small Meters (3/4 to two inch)
o Replacement Cost: $700 - $1,620
o New Installation Cost: $550 - $1,500
Large Meters (three to eight inch)
o Replacement Cost: $3,300 - $12,000
o New Installation Cost: $2,800 - $11,500
The City uses master meters when beneficial to the City and its customers. Master meters are used at
certain locations such as mobile home parks, the Auburn Business Park (formerly the Federal General
Services Administration Property), and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) commercial properties.
4.1.2.1 Large Meters
Large meters are used to measure water consumption by customers with significant demand requirements.
They are usually employed by the following customer classes.
Commercial
Farms or Parks – Irrigation
Schools
Multifamily Complexes
Industrial / Manufacturing Businesses
Wholesale Customers
Municipal Buildings
Large meters are defined as water meters three inches or larger and new meters are installed by
contractors rather than City maintenance staff. There are a total of 127 large meters in the City’s system.
All large meters are calibrated for accuracy each year, usually between the months of April and June, as
part of the City’s System Loss Program. Calibration of large meters is conducted by an outside contractor,
but two maintenance staff members under the direction of the Water Distribution Supervisor assist in the
process. If a meter cannot be calibrated, it is replaced with a new one by City maintenance staff.
4.2 Distribution System Leakage
Distribution System Leakage (DSL) represents the difference between production and documented water
use (retail, wholesale, and authorized unmetered). It may include inaccurate master and service connection
meters, unaccounted-for non-revenue water use, pipeline leakage, and unauthorized use. DSL does not
include authorized water usage such as water used for fire protection, flushing, construction, and other
maintenance and operations practices. However, to be credited, this must be accounted for by metering
or estimating using credible means.
The DSL is calculated as the difference between the total amount of water produced and the sum of water
sold plus any authorized unmetered water usage. The City’s estimated DSL for 2015 through 2022 is
presented in Chapter 2, Error! Reference source not found.1. For the City’s water system, the 2022 three-
year rolling average DSL was 6.8 percent of total production (corrected value submitted by the City to DOH
in 2024). This falls below the DOH requirement that the three-year average DSL be under ten percent to
minimize water waste.
Page 266 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-5
The City is committed to maintaining DSL below the required ten percent and is actively working to identify
and minimize DSL. To minimize DSL, the City has ongoing leak detection, meter calibration, and an active
repair and replacement program for water system infrastructure, as detailed in Chapter 6 – Operations and
Maintenance. The City completes a leak detection study of 25 percent of the water distribution system
every year to detect and fix leaks. Additionally, the City has recently increased its efforts to reduce non-
payment of bills and water theft. The City recently completed a major SCADA system upgrade in 2024.
These investments should significantly increase the City’s ability to measure DSL both temporally and
geographically. The resulting information may allow the City to better target its WUE activities to reduce
DSL.
4.2.1 Water Audits
The City has implemented AMI throughout the system, completing installations between 2015 and 2018.
AMI is a tool that improves the effectiveness of the WUE Program measures, providing detailed water use
data for each customer that allows the City to better understand water use patterns and target WUE
Program measures to specific customers. Data can be sent in real-time or stored for several weeks or
months. Potential AMI capabilities vary depending on the chosen hardware and software however, most
systems can aid in the WUE Program. Below is a summary of how the City can use the AMI data.
Advanced algorithms and metering data will allow the City to identify customer leaks.
Advanced metering will provide cost savings in the Leak Detection and Repair and Service Meter
Replacements programs.
Advanced metering will aid in the City’s efforts to reduce non-payment of bills and water theft.
By comparing production and customer water use, DSL can be evaluated in greater temporal and
geographic detail. For example, DSL may be calculated by month or for a given service area.
Advanced metering data will help the City identify groups of customers to target for WUE measures
and can be used to track the effectiveness of the measures for the same customers.
Advanced metering data will allow additional reporting options to educate customers, such as their
peak water use.
The City reports DSL annually; refer to Appendix M for the previous three annual WUE reports. The newly
installed AMI system will provide substantial benefits for the WUE Program and improve savings, further
outlined in Section 4.4 of this chapter.
4.3 Water Use Efficiency Program
In 2003, the Washington State Legislature passed the 2003 Municipal Water Law (MWL) which added a
requirement that water purveyors use water efficiently. This law was expanded in January 2007 with the
WUE Rule and has since been updated. WUE requirements are listed under WAC 246-290 and include:
Publicly establishing a water savings goal.
Evaluating water use efficiency opportunities specific to each community.
Developing a WUE planning program.
Meter installation on all customer connections by January 22, 2017.
Achieve a standard of no more than ten percent water loss, on a three-year rolling annual average.
Annual reporting on WUE progress.
Page 267 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-6
The City’s WUE Program provides for efficient water use and supports continued growth. This program
fulfills all the necessary requirements of DOH. The selected program measures will allow the City to meet
its WUE goals, resulting in decreased water demand. Measures are interrelated and will help the City
achieve its goals to both reduce average water use and peak water use per customer. Public education
measures (showing water use in bills, workshops, school outreach, fairs/trade shows, etc.) will continue to
be a focus of the WUE Program to increase customer awareness and knowledge of WUE opportunities.
Public education is needed to support the City’s other WUE measures and to support reductions in both
average and peak water use. Continued appliance rebates and shower head giveaways help customers
implement what is learned in the public education campaign. With the implementation of AMI, it is
expected that the City and customers will be able to identify more water loss reduction opportunities than
previously possible. Therefore, customer and City leak detection, water audits, and meter repair and
replacement may have a prominent role in the 2024-2034 WUE Program. The program will also continue
to provide financial disincentives for excessive water use through metering and WUE pricing. This aspect
of the program is likely to help reduce peak water usage further. These measures will result in the City
being able to achieve its WUE goals, which includes reduced demand.
The 2024-2034 WUE Program will be a continuation of the City’s successful existing WUE Program. The
program has also been updated to leverage the City’s investments in improved SCADA, leak detection, and
AMI. The 2024 Plan complies with regulations as set forth in WAC 246-290-830 and DOH’s 2020 Water Use
Efficiency Guidebook. This section summarizes the program’s goals, demand and supply side measures,
reclaimed water, and DSL. The projected demand with the conservation goals, program budget, and cost
savings are also presented.
4.3.1 Program Requirements
The WUE requirements emphasize the importance of measuring water usage and evaluating the
effectiveness of the City’s program. There are three fundamental requirements of a WUE Program that the
City follows.
Planning Requirements – Municipal water suppliers are required to:
o Collect data.
o Forecast demand.
o Evaluate WUE measures.
o Calculate DSL.
o Implement a WUE Program to meet their goals.
Distribution Leakage Standard – Municipal water suppliers are required to meet a distribution
system leakage standard to minimize water loss from their distribution system.
Goal setting and performance reporting – Municipal water suppliers are required to set WUE goals
through a public process and report annually to their customers and DOH.
The DOH requires that the City estimate the amount of water saved through implementation of the
system’s WUE program over the last six years. Table 4-3 shows the average day demand per-capita from
2017 to 2022. Water use per-capita dropped from 112 gpd per capita in 2017 to 105 gpd per capita in 2022.
The net water savings over this period equates to approximately 148.0 million gallons or 29.6 million gallons
per year. This was calculated by multiplying the population for each individual year (over the six-year
period) by the difference in calculated savings in gpd per capita year after year. The result was then
multiplied by the total days in each year. Annual totals were summed for the entire six-year period.
Page 268 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-7
Table 4-3 | Annual Average Day Demand (gpd) per Capita1
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
112 109 106 100 106 105
Note:
1. Average day demand per capita was calculated by dividing the Average Day Demand from Table 2-9 by the population served from Table 2-1
and converting to gpd.
4.3.2 Mandatory Measures
The WUE Program includes supply side measures that the City implements to understand and control
leakage including new meters, leak detection surveys, and water audits. Per the WUE requirements, the
following measures shall be continued for the 2024-2034 WUE program.
Install production (source) meters.
Install consumption (service) meters.
Perform meter calibration.
Implement a water loss control action plan to control leakage if the three-year rolling average
exceeds ten percent.
Educate customers about water use efficiency practices.
Additionally, the following measures that must be evaluated are:
Rates that encourage water demand efficiency (discussed in Chapter 9)
Reclamation opportunities (discussed below)
The City has complied with these requirements in the past and will continue to comply with these
regulations.
4.3.3 Program Goals
Per the WAC 246-290-830(4)(a), all water purveyors with 1,000 or more connections were required to set
efficiency goals through a public process. The City has chosen to focus on implementing voluntary measures
to decrease both the average and peak water usage. The 2024 program has established the following goals.
Water Use per ERU Goal: Decrease the planning ERU value (gpd/ERU) one percent annually from
the current planning ERU value of 182 gpd/ERU, which is the 75th percentile of eight years of
historical data (2015 – 2022). Revaluate goal when the planning ERU value reaches less than 172
gpd/ERU.
o To be conservative, an ERU planning value higher than the average was used by the City for
demand forecasting. The 75th percentile of the eight-years of data was used to select the
planning ERU value of 182 gpd. This methodology is consistent with the City’s 2015 Plan. The
ERU value of 182 gpd is seven percent lower than the 2015 Plan’s ERU planning value of 195
gpd per ERU.
Page 269 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-8
MDD/ADD Peaking Factor: Decrease the planning peaking factor from the current 1.96, which is
equal to the 75th percentile of eight years of historical data (2015-2022), to a planning peaking
factor of less than 1.81, the average peaking factor from 2015-2022.
Distribution System Leakage: Maintain three-year average DSL under ten percent to minimize
water waste.
Customer Support: Provide the service and support necessary to those water customers expressing
a desire to conserve water as a part of their environmental ethic and as a means of minimizing
water bills.
The WUE Program measures, as summarized below, are designed to help meet these established goals.
4.3.4 2024-2034 Demand-Side Program Measures
To encourage WUE and support customers, the City has incorporated program measures that target
demand reductions. Under the WUE requirements, a program measure may include water efficient devices,
actions, business practices, or policies that promote efficient water use. With 14 measures as part of the
2024 Program, the City exceeds the minimum DOH requirement of nine measures. WUE measures can
target specific customer classes or a combination of customer classes. The City’s demand-side program
measures are summarized below.
1. School Outreach: The City will continue to participate in programs arranged to educate students
on efficient water usage as requested by schools.
2. Speakers’ Bureau: The City will seek speaking opportunities to discuss efficient water use with a
wide audience spectrum. Topics could include water efficient fixtures and appliances, curbing
seasonal peak demands, lawn watering practices, etc.
3. Program Promotion: The City will seek opportunities for social media, television, and/or radio
public service announcements for WUE and submit news articles to local papers and Auburn
Magazine on efficient water usage especially during the spring and summer months.
4. Theme Shows/Fairs: The City hosts an annual Kids Day fair. The fair includes a wide range of
activities for all ages of kids. As part of the fair, the City has fun, water-related activities and
provides water efficiency brochures and other materials. The City will conduct outreach at other
Theme Shows/Fairs if requested. Water saving device kits are distributed to interested single-family
and multiple-family residential customers.
5. Water Audits: The City will conduct a water audit upon the request of a customer, including
industrial, commercial, and institutional customers. The audits will review items such as:
recirculation of cooling water, reuse of cooling and process water, reuse of treated wastewater,
efficient landscape irrigation, low water using fixtures, fixing leaks, and process modifications.
6. Customer Leak Detection: The City identifies potential leaks through investigation of the water
meter upon request of customers. The City runs multiple reports in the AMI system to analyze data
and investigate water meters to identify leaks.
7. Bills Showing Consumption History: The City will continue to provide customer bills showing the
previous year’s water usage. The City provides water usage information from AMI on the customers
e-portal.
Page 270 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-9
8. Water Saving Device Kits: The City will participate in distribution of water use efficiency kits through
education events such as speakers’ bureaus, theme shows, fairs, and through bill insert request
forms.
9. WUE Pricing: The City has an inverted block rate structure for single-family residential customers
to encourage WUE. The City will consider WUE in future cost of service/rate studies. Studies should
determine the most appropriate water structures and rate levels to achieve the City’s WUE goals,
while generating sufficient revenues for utility operations. It is recommended that the studies
consider uniform rates by class, inverted block rates, seasonal rates, and excess use rates.
10. Water Efficient Toilet Rebate Program: The City will continue to provide rebates to customers that
replace old toilets with new high-efficiency toilets through their Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) WaterSense Toilet Rebate program.
11. Low-Flow Shower Heads Giveaways: The City gives away free low-flow shower heads at the Utility
Billing Counter.
12. School Outdoor Water Use Reduction: The City will target schools to reduce their outdoor water
consumption. Water audits and education on the benefits of replacing inefficient irrigation systems
or landscaping (including turf) will be conducted.
13. City Water Use Reduction: The City will audit the water use of City accounts to identify both indoor
and outdoor water saving opportunities. The Water Utility staff will help educate City account
holders on WUE; however, no water budget has been allocated to implement water saving devices
at City facilities.
14. Rainwater Harvesting: The City will evaluate implementation of a rainwater harvesting (rainwater
reclamation) promotion program as a means to reduce irrigation water usage by commercial,
public, and residential customers. The City’s Stormwater Utility’s requirements to use Low Impact
Development (LID) measures, where feasible, strives to keep rainwater on the property, further
reducing irrigation demands.
It is important to note that in addition to the water cost savings for the WUE measures, other benefits
result, both to the utility and to its customers, from WUE activities. Such additional benefits could include:
Significant customer energy savings because water heaters are the second largest energy users in
the home. Hot water use can be reduced by almost one-third by cost-effective WUE measures,
such as water efficient fixtures and appliances. Significant energy savings can also occur for
industrial processes requiring water heating and other power uses.
Efficient landscaping and irrigation techniques save on maintenance costs.
Reductions in water production decrease energy required by utilities to treat and distribute water
and to collect and treat wastewater. Chemical costs are also reduced in water and wastewater
operations.
System measures could provide substantial benefits in addition to water production cost savings
including:
o Identification of non-revenue water could result in recovery of unbilled revenue (inaccurate
meters) and reduced unauthorized water usage (theft).
Page 271 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-10
o Leak detection helps prevent major main breaks, which could result in significant repair costs
to the utility.
o Leak detection reduces a utility’s liability due to prevention of potential property damage.
o Repair and/or replacement of service and source meters allows a utility to recover unbilled
water revenues.
4.3.5 Reclaimed Water
According to WAC 246-290-100 and the WUE requirements, water systems with over 1,000 connections
must collect and evaluate information on reclaimed water opportunities. The City is committed to
wastewater reuse and rainwater reclamation, as stated in its official water system policies summarized in
Appendix A. The City participates in the King County reclaimed water program, which completed a
Reclaimed Water Comprehensive Plan in 2012. Additionally, the City has completed the King County Water
Reclamation Evaluation Checklist, included as Appendix L. Currently, there are no reclaimed water users in
the City. The City considers the most likely candidates for use of reclaimed water to be the irrigation
customer class. Since the City conveys all sewage to King County’s regional sewerage system, there is not
an opportunity for the City to sell reclaimed water and there is not currently an alternative reclaimed water
source in the area.
The City will implement reclaimed water as a conservation measure and include these savings in the
demand projections when specific opportunities arise. The City, in conjunction with King County, may
develop projects or consider participation in water reuse projects and programs developed by adjacent
purveyors and others as appropriate. The efforts may include demonstration or pilot projects developed in
accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
4.3.6 WUE Budget
The City has established a budget for each program measure from 2023 to 2029, as required per WAC 246-
290-810 4.e, shown in Table 4-4. WUE measures are funded through rates.
Table 4-4 | Annual WUE Budget
Measure 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
School Education
(NPDES & Water)$20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000
Conservation Public
Education/ WQ Report $6,350 $6,350 $6,350 $6,350 $6,350 $6,350 $6,350
Toilet Rebates & Low-flow
Shower Heads $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000
Large Meter
Test/Repair/Replace $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
WSP Update (WUE)$22,000 ------
Total $89,350 $67,350 $67,350 $67,350 $67,350 $67,350 $67,350
Page 272 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-11
4.4 Water Use Efficiency Savings
The WUE Program primarily provides cost savings in two ways, reducing demand and reducing DSL.
Reducing demand may reduce or delay capital projects for additional supply and expanded distribution
infrastructure. Reducing DSL can provide additional revenue, as well as increase the efficiency of supplying
existing water uses. Additionally, advanced metering will provide cost savings in the Leak Detection and
Repair and Service Meter Replacements programs.
The City has completed a cost analysis of their proposed WUE Program using historical data and projected
annual water savings. Table 4-5 shows projected demands with and without annual water savings. This
analysis maintains the target water use efficiency goal of one percent reduction per year in the planning
ERU value. This goal will be reached through implementation of the proposed program measures. These
reductions in demand can be translated into tangible benefits once realized, such as more time before new
sources must be developed, increased ERUs that can be served by the existing water infrastructure, and
cost savings in power and water treatment.
Table 4-5 | Demand Forecast With and Without Projected WUE Savings
ADD (mgd)MDD (mgd)
Year Without
WUE
With
WUE Savings % Savings Without
WUE
With
WUE Savings % Savings
2024 7.07 7.00 0.07 1%13.88 13.74 0.14 1%
2025 7.16 7.02 0.14 2%14.06 13.78 0.28 2%
2026 7.26 7.04 0.22 3%14.25 13.82 0.43 3%
2027 7.35 7.06 0.29 4%14.43 13.86 0.58 4%
2028 7.45 7.08 0.37 5%14.63 13.90 0.73 5%
2029 7.55 7.10 0.45 6%14.82 13.93 0.89 6%
2030 7.65 7.12 0.54 7%15.02 13.97 1.05 7%
2031 7.76 7.14 0.62 8%15.23 14.01 1.22 8%
2032 7.85 7.15 0.71 9%15.43 14.04 1.39 9%
2033 7.97 7.17 0.80 10%15.64 14.08 1.56 10%
2034 8.08 7.19 0.89 11%15.86 14.11 1.74 11%
4.5 Climate Change Resiliency
In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1181, which requires all group A community
public water systems serving 1,000 or more connections to include a climate resilience element in water
system plans initiated after June 30, 2025. Though this requirement is not yet in effect, the following section
is included to initiate discussion and planning for climate resilience and to supplement the Climate Element
being incorporated into the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan update.
4.5.1 Expected Climate Changes for the City of Auburn
Climate is a key factor driving water use as temperature, precipitation, and other climate-driven weather
patterns affect irrigation, and commercial and industrial cooling. Auburn’s maritime climate is
characterized by wet cool winters and dry warm summers. The City’s temperate climate is largely protected
from continental weather by the Cascade Mountains to the east.
Page 273 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-12
According to the publication Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Washington State, Washington
State is projected to experience decreases in snowpack, increases in stream temperatures, and widespread
changes in streamflow timing, flooding, and summer minimum flows. Climate change is expected to cause
more frequent summer water shortages, especially in fully allocated watersheds with little management
flexibility. The average spring snowpack in Washington is projected to decline by 38 percent to 46 percent
by the 2040s1.
To estimate the impact of this change in climate on the City’s water demands, results from the Water Supply
Forum’s 2009 Regional Water Supply Outlook (WSF 2009 Outlook) were used. The impacts of climate
change on sources that rely on groundwater are mostly unknown due to the variability between aquifers
and site-specific effects, such as recharge rates.
Continued increases in average annual and seasonal air temperatures in the Puget Sound are projected due
to climate change, as well as increases in extreme heat. Projected changes in annual precipitation are
generally minor, although summer precipitation is projected to decrease and heavy rainfall events are
projected to become more severe2.
No changes to demand projections were made for the 20-year planning period to account for potential
climate change due to the uncertain magnitude and timing of local effects. However, it is recognized that
demands have the potential to increase in the future given these changes. In the event the City experiences
an increase in demand, to understand the scale of the impact, the City will run a model of the City water
system that would compute firm yield from inputted streamflow data, replacing historic inflows with
projected inflows from three climate change scenarios as described by the WSF 2009 Outlook. Those
climate change scenarios for King County are provided in Table 4-6.
Table 4-6 | Predicted Increase in Demand from Baseline Due to Climate Change1
Climate Change Scenario 2005 2020 2030 2040
Baseline 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Warm 3.5%4.4%4.9%5.4%
Warmer 4.6%4.9%5.8%7.4%
Warmest 4.8%6.2%7.6%9.5%
4.5.2 Extreme Weather Events and Significant Challenges
To meet the requirements for risk and resilience assessments in America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA)
of 2018, the City completed a Risk and Resilience Analysis (RRA) in December 2020 using the EPA’s
Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT). VSAT was developed to serve as an all-hazards assessment tool
for water and wastewater utilities of all sizes and addresses malevolent acts, dependency/proximity
threats, and natural hazards. Through this effort, the City has identified the following assets as the most
vulnerable to flood hazards.
Coal Creek Springs aquifer
Coal Creek Springs and West Hill Springs piping
Valley Aquifer (Wells 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 6, 7)
Green River and Lea Hill pump stations
1 Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Washington State: Technical Summaries for Decision Makers (uw.edu)
2 *2009RegionalWaterSupplyOutlook.pdf (amazonaws.com)
Page 274 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-13
Distribution System
Climate change exacerbates existing challenges with flooding, landslides, droughts, wildfire, and other
natural hazards by potentially changing the frequency, intensity, and duration of these events. Heavier
rainfall increases the threat of flooding. In addition to immediate flood threats, flood waters can damage
and contaminate wells and water treatment plants resulting in short-term outages and increased risk of
waterborne diseases in drinking water. Higher levels of pathogens in runoff from areas around drinking
water wells and surface water intakes from flooding of the wells themselves.
In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the Special Report on
Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius (OC). Warming of 1.5OC is projected to decrease summer streamflow
in the Puget Sound by 23 percent. Average temperatures in 2015 were 2.7OC warmer than pre-industrial
era temperatures which resulted in low summer streamflow and warmer waters3. According to the King
County Climate Change GIS map “Summer Runoff: Change, 2040s”, summer (July-September) runoff in the
City of Auburn is expected to decrease by 2.4 percent by the 2040s from historical conditions (1970-1999)4.
The WSF 2009 Outlook believes the region is reasonably well prepared for drought, however further actions
could improve drought preparation. During droughts, water supplies may fall short of meeting demands,
especially in summer months. In the past, water utilities in the Puget Sound have adapted to fluctuations
in water supplies from droughts through reservoir management and system adaptations such as long-term
conservation programs and short-term demand curtailments1.
Warming of 1.5OC is also expected to bring larger and more frequent wildfires, which could disrupt regional
water supplies. Significant water quality impairments from a wildfire include increased turbidity and
introduction of radionuclides, metals, and fire-retardant chemicals5, although impacts to the City’s water
quality is not likely as there are not surface water sources. The City can maintain existing emergency
interties to mitigate wildfires that affect adjacent systems more severely than the City’s. While the City
contains land that is considered Wildland-Urban Interface, the United States Forest Service has classified
the City as either Very Low or Non-burnable in its Potential Wildfire Hazard GIS map (2020)6.
4.5.3 Assessment of Actions to Protect System
In the face of continued warming, there are actions the City can take to improve the resiliency of the water
system from the impacts of climate change. Below are possible short-term and long-term actions for the
City to consider. The short-term measures can improve resiliency within three to five years while the long-
term measures may require decades to be fully implemented5.
4.5.3.1 Short-Term Actions
Source Inventory: Identify sources that will remain online in the event of a 100-year or 500-year flood.
Utilize GIS or other mapping tools to create a map to visualize which sources are at risk of inundation in
such events. Develop protocols for isolating these sources. Determine how sources could be used for critical
health and safety following an extreme weather event and how these sources relate to emergency shelters
and critical facilities, such as hospitals.
3 NoTimeToWaste_CIG_Feb2019.pdf (uw.edu)
4 https://climate-kingcounty.opendata.arcgis.com/maps/bab86832a962416cbdbb35644dacb11b
5 Phase2SummaryReport20180731FINAL.pdf (amazonaws.com)
6 https://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/usfs::wildfire-hazard-potential-version-2020-classified-image-service/explore?location=47.307822%2C-
121.937736%2C10.98
Page 275 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Water Use Efficiency Program Page 4-14
Groundwater Supplies: Develop new groundwater supplies or augment existing groundwater supplies to
improve drought resiliency and offset challenges posed by the wetter winters and drier summers expected
with warming temperatures. Establish models to understand the effects of drier summers and increased
risk of drought on groundwater supplies. Evaluate impacts of lower snowpack levels in the Cascade
Mountains on aquifer recharge.
Wildfire Mitigation: Evaluate fire-fighting capacity for open space areas such as Game Farm Park and
Wilderness Area.
Interaction with Research Community: Build and sustain routine interactions with the research community
on the subject of climate change and water supply. Consider opportunities to fund water-industry research
with direct application to water supplies in western Washington. Explore opportunities to have imbedded
persons, such as employing a scientist with climate change expertise.
Rate Factors: Implement less frequently used rate factors, such as a rate for drought periods, to encourage
lower demands.
Floodproofing: Build flood barriers such as levees and dikes to protect critical infrastructure. Elevate critical
equipment or place it within waterproof containers or foundation systems.
Power Supplies: Extreme weather events can cause power outages. Consider alternative or on-site power
supplies to provide resiliency during such events.
4.5.3.2 Long-Term Actions
Monitor Aquifer Conditions: Establish a program of long-range monitoring of aquifer recharge and water
levels as affected by climate change. Assess risk of saltwater intrusion. Establish models to assess source
redundancy in extreme drought events.
Green Infrastructure: Apply green infrastructure strategies to collect and manage stormwater. Regional or
water-shed scale plans for stormwater management can be more cost effective than individual plans.
Water Use Efficiency: Continue to invest in and evaluate WUE programs to reduce water consumption and
improve efficiency. Consider partnering with King County to assess reclamation and reuse programs to
augment non-potable water demands.
Water Rights: Invest in permanent or mobile infrastructure to ensure access to all available water rights to
maximize available sources.
Page 276 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Source Water Protection Page 5-1
CHAPTER 5
Source Water Protection
The City relies on groundwater sources to meet current water supply demands. This chapter’s objective is
to update the City of Auburn’s (City’s) program to protect and improve source water used by the City. As
the City’s sources only include groundwater wells and springs which are not under the influence of surface
water, a Watershed Control Program is not required.
This chapter addresses the following topics:
5.1 Sanitary Control Area
5.2 Wellhead Protection Program
5.1 Sanitary Control Area
Sanitary Control Areas (SCAs) have been established for each of the City’s water sources per WAC 246-290-
135(2). An SCA is the front-line protection against contamination of the water source. The standard SCA for
wells has a minimum radius of 100 feet from the wellhead. The standard SCA for spring sources has a
minimum radius of 200 feet from the spring head. All City water sources have SCAs that were established
and approved by DOH, and are documented in the susceptibility forms provided in Appendix T. All
properties within the SCA for each water source are under the City’s ownership and control.
5.2 Wellhead Protection Program
DOH has developed regulations that require Group A water systems using groundwater sources to develop
and implement a Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) in accordance with WAC 246-290-135. The basic
elements required of a WHPP are:
Assessment of initial groundwater susceptibility (physical susceptibility to contamination) for each
water supply source,
Delineation of the wellhead protection area (WHPA) that directly contributes groundwater to each
water supply well,
Identification of potential sources of contamination within each WHPA,
Documentation of notification to owner/operators of known or potential hazards, and
Development of spill prevention plans and water contingency plans that minimize or eliminate the
possibility of contamination to the groundwater supply and development of options for
maintaining water supply in the event the aquifer contributing to a source is contaminated.
The City maintains its WHPP for 12 groundwater sources. A WHPP was prepared in 2014 for the City’s 2015
WSP; this remains the current WHPP for the City. The purpose of the WHPP is to help prevent the City’s
water supply from becoming contaminated and to develop contingency and emergency response
procedures in case one or more sources are lost due to contamination. This is accomplished by providing
Page 277 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Source Water Protection Page 5-2
WHPAs around public groundwater sources, identifying existing groundwater contamination sources, and
managing potential groundwater contamination sources prior to their entry into the drinking water system.
The WHPP provides tasks for the City to implement wellhead protection and the City prioritizes those tasks
by criteria such as available staff, time to complete, cost, and urgency due to limited available resources.
The City maintains an annual operating budget for implementing tasks related to the wellhead protection
program, as well as identifying and monitoring potential new hazards. The City allocates budget annually
for the Water Resources Protection Program, as discussed in Chapter 8.
5.2.1 Susceptibility Assessment
Susceptibility Assessment Forms have been completed by the City and submitted to the DOH. The forms
are provided in Appendix T. The DOH’s susceptibility assessment rating for each source is summarized in
Table 5-1.
Table 5-1 | Source Susceptibility Assessment Ratings Issued by DOH
Source Susceptibility Rating
Coal Creek Springs High
West Hill Springs High
Well 1 Moderate
Well 2 High
Well 3A Low (Off-line)
Well 3B Low (Off-line)
Well 4 Low
Well 5 Low
Well 5A Low
Well 5B Low (Off-line)
Well 6 High
Well 7 High (Off-line)
5.2.2 Wellhead Protection Area Delineation
The WHPA defines the area around a groundwater source that has the potential to contaminate the source.
This area is based on the source’s capture zones, which are the zones of the source aquifer and ground
surface that can contribute water to the source in six months, one year, five years, or ten years. The City’s
2014 WHPP largely replaced the initial plan created in 2000. The study area, physiographic settings, and
WHPAs were defined in the 2000 WHPP and remain valid. Capture zones were delineated using a three-
dimensional particle-tracking program with a steady-state head distribution created by a numerical model.
The established WHPAs are shown in Figure 5-1.
Page 278 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Source Water Protection Page 5-3
Figure 5-1 | Wellhead Protection Area Map
Page 279 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Source Water Protection Page 5-4
5.2.3 Contaminant Source Inventory and Notification of Findings
A summary of potential contaminant sources for the City’s water sources was updated in April 2024. The
Contaminant Source Inventory (CSI) was updated utilizing Ecology’s Facility/Site ID database. The
contaminant sources are organized by water source and time travel zones, and are included in Appendix T.
DOH requires notifications be sent to landowners with potential contaminant sources, as well as state and
local agencies, of the CSI findings. Letters and WHPA maps were mailed to landowners in June 2024; copies
of the notification letter template and maps that were sent to landowners are included in Appendix T.
State and local agencies use the CSI findings and WHPAs to help prioritize local and state pollution control
outreach, to provide incentives to landowners for risk reduction, and to support local land-use planning
decisions. DOH requires that state and local emergency responders be notified of the WHPAs, results of
the susceptibility assessment, CSI findings, and the contingency plan. Copies of the notifications sent to
emergency responders and regulatory agencies, as well as the WHPA maps, are included in Appendix T. A
list of state and local agencies that were sent notifications letters, along with the date of the notification is
summarized in Table 5-2.
Table 5-2 | State and Local Agencies Notified of CSI Findings
Agency Notification Date
Washington Department of Ecology June 2024
Washington State Department of Health Southwest Regional Office June 2024
King County Public Health June 2024
Auburn Police Department June 2024
East Pierce Fire and Rescue June 2024
King County Fire Protection District 31 June 2024
Mountain View Fire and Rescue June 2024
South King Fire and Rescue June 2024
Valley Regional Fire Authority June 2024
5.2.4 Contingency Plan
The City developed a Water Source Loss Mitigation Plan (City of Auburn Standard Operating Procedure
5.2.1) to address how the water system will provide consumers with adequate supply of potable water in
the event one or more sources become temporarily or permanently unavailable; this plan is included in
Appendix T. Should one water source be unavailable, the City has sufficient capacity across the remaining
sources and interties to supply potable drinking water to its customers; water supply availability is
evaluated in greater detail in Chapter 3.
Page 280 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-1
CHAPTER 6
Operations and Maintenance
Program
This chapter provides an overview of the City of Auburn’s (City) Water Utility organization, operations and
maintenance (O&M). The purpose of the chapter is to document existing procedures and to identify areas
where improvements or changes could enhance system operation.
The following topics are addressed in this chapter:
6.1 Water System Management and Personnel
6.2 Operations and Preventive Maintenance
6.3 Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring
6.4 Emergency Preparedness and Response
6.5 Safety Procedures
6.6 Cross Connection Control Program
6.7 Sanitary Survey Findings
6.8 Customer Complaint Response Program
6.9 Recordkeeping and Reporting
6.10 Summary of O&M Deficiencies and Recommended Improvements
6.1 Water System Management and Personnel
6.1.1 Mission Statement
The mission statement of the City’s Water Utility is to provide for the efficient, environmentally sound, and
safe management of the existing and future water system within the City’s service area.
6.1.2 Department Overview
The Water Utility is responsible for providing potable water to the City’s customers that meets or exceeds
the recognized standards of today and the future by efficiently administering, operating, and maintaining
the water supply. The Water Utility will also continue to enhance its customer service through public
education and information. A primary responsibility of the Water Utility is implementing the
Comprehensive Water Plan (Plan).
6.1.3 Internal and External Factors
The objective of the Water Utility is based on compliance with internal and external factors. An internal
Work Plan Overview is generated at the beginning of each work year with a review process at the end of
the year. The Work Plan Overview describes budget goals, performance measures, engineering tasks,
Page 281 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-2
capital projects, and maintenance and operations tasks. External factors include adoption of goals,
recommendations, and standards established by the following regulatory or professional practice agencies:
Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
Association of Washington Cities (AWC)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA)
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
6.1.4 Water Utility Division Organization
The Auburn Water Utility is operated as a utility enterprise under the direction of the Public Works (PW)
Director. Specific Water Utility Management Responsibilities within the PW Department fall under either
the Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services or the Water Division of Maintenance and Operations
Services.
The Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services is responsible for comprehensive water system
planning, development of a Capital Improvement Program (CIP), as well as programming the design,
construction, and inspection of projects related to the water system.
The Water Division of Maintenance and Operations Services is responsible for operating and maintaining
the water system, performing daily operation and inspection, water quality monitoring as required by DOH,
and line management of the Water Utility.
The organization of the Water Utility is shown within the Public Works Organizational chart in Figure 6-1.
The responsibilities of each staff within the Utilities-Water Section of Engineering Services, including
professional and technical support staff from within Engineering Services that are not specifically within
the Water Utility are summarized below.
Utilities Engineering Manager and Water Utility Engineer: Primarily responsible for development
of the comprehensive water plans, water capital facility plan, annual project budgeting, technical
design, and construction standards, “as-built” drawings, and designs, utilized in the construction of
the water systems facilities. They also provide technical computations, water modeling and other
analysis required to support system operation. Additional responsibilities include engineering,
consultant contracts, capital projects planning, and customer assistance with City code, drawings,
and permits.
Water Quality Programs Coordinator: Assist with the Water Quality and Water Conservation
Programs and is responsible for compiling DOH sampling data and verifying DOH sampling was
conducted per the sampling schedule.
City Engineer: Responsible for issuance of the City’s Design and Construction Standards.
Responsible for the management and the design and construction of capital projects managed by
Project Engineers, including consultant-designed projects and construction contractors. Under the
direction of the City Engineer, GIS Specialists are responsible for the transfer of data from “as-built”
drawings to the GIS database. GIS is a mapping software that records and locates infrastructure
Page 282 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-3
related to the water system. GIS Specialists are also responsible for provision of maps and statistics
to staff within the PW Department.
Utilities Technician: Assist with certain permit-related activities involving the water system. The
Technician is also responsible for customer inquiries, assistance with applications, tracking water
system usage for reporting, and updating and updating water system records.
Utilities Civil Engineer: Review City capital improvements and development projects pertaining to
water system improvements and provides customer assistance regarding projects and permit
activities.
Personnel lists for Engineering and Maintenance and Operation (M&O) staff that are responsible for daily
operations are summarized in Table 6-1 and Table 6-2. Operations staff provide daily O&M of wells,
corrosion control treatment facilities, pump stations, and reservoirs. They also implement the cross
connection control program and provide locating services for all City utilities. Distribution staff maintains
the complete distribution system including water mains, valves, hydrants, pressure reducing stations, and
meters.
The City has a mayor-council form of government; therefore, the PW Director reports to the Mayor. The
City Council provides oversight of the Water Utility regarding policy, planning, and management of the
water system.
Page 283 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-4
Figure 6-1 | Auburn Water Utility Organizational Chart
Page 284 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-5
6.1.5 Communication System
The City maintains a robust communication system to contact Water Utility personnel during normal work
hours and after hours. This system is necessary to respond to customer requests, routine maintenance, or
emergency situations. Maintenance staff vehicles and other rolling stock are all equipped with radios and
personnel carry cellular phones. The Water Utility also has access to an inventory of portable emergency
use radio units, should they be required.
A Standby Call-Out Program was initiated in 2006 to ensure that coverage for after-hours response was
guaranteed. One staff member in Operations and one staff member in Distribution always carry a dedicated
cell phone during their off hours. Standby duration runs for one week before responsibility is rotated to the
next staff member on the roster.
Water problems involving service leaks, quality issues, main breaks, broken hydrants, etc., that occur
outside normal working hours, are reported through the City’s 911 emergency response system. An
“Emergency Call-Out List” is provided to the emergency operators who will attempt to contact the
designated standby Water Distribution or Water Operations employee, based on the type of service
required. If contact cannot be made, the operator will contact the designated Standby Public Works
Maintenance and Operation Manager.
Table 6-1 | Water Operations and Distribution Staff and Certifications
Position Primary Function(s)Certification(s)1
Water Manager Management Water Distribution Manager 4
Water Operations Field
Supervisor Management (Operations)
Water Distribution Manager 4,
Water Treatment Plant Operator 1,
Cross Connection Specialist
Water Distribution Field
Supervisor Management (Distribution)Water Distribution Manager 3
Maintenance Lead (Distribution)Management (Distribution)Water Distribution Manager 2
Cross Connection Control
Specialist
Cross Connection Control & Backflow
Assembly Tester
Water Distribution Manager 1, Cross
Connection Specialist, Backflow
Assembly Tester
Distribution Specialist Distribution Operations Maintenance Water Distribution Manager 1
Maintenance Worker II / Locator Operations & Distribution Maintenance N/A
Maintenance Worker I Operations & Distribution Maintenance N/A
There are 12 staff members on the On-Call Manager Standby List and one of them has call-out responsibility
for an entire week until it rotates to the next staff member. The 12 staff positions on the Standby List are:
Water Manager
Water Distribution Supervisor
Water Operation Supervisors
Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage Manager
Sanitary Sewer Supervisor
Storm Drainage Supervisor
Streets and Vegetation Manager
Street Supervisor
Vegetation Supervisor
Page 285 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-6
Fleet/General Service Manager
Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Support Supervisor
M&O Services General Manager
There are also three other maintenance staff members on standby that can be called out as needed. The
staff members are employed by Sanitary Sewer Division, Storm Drainage Division, and Street Division. The
911 operator also has phone access to the other Public Works staff, if the situation warrants it.
Telemetry alarms that occur after hours are handled by an automated Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) alarm and an automated dialer for notification called WIN911. The SCADA alarm calls
standby staff from the WIN911 list. If no one responds within 15 minutes, then WIN911 calls the Water
Operations standby staff on the call out list. The system will continue to cycle through the roster of seven
employees until contact is made.
6.1.6 Operator Certification Program
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-292, requires minimum standards for the certification
status of water operators. Also, the City has recognized the value of having a knowledgeable and well-
trained staff operating the Water Utility and encourages employees to obtain the highest level of
certification available. The City currently serves a population of greater than 50,000, which classifies their
distribution system into a group 4 according to WAC 246-292-040. Certifications required per staff role are
summarized in Table 6-1.
The City pays for annual certification fees, provides time and tuition for certification training courses, and
allows time for certification examinations. In addition, the City provides opportunities for staff to obtain
continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain certification. Professional growth requirements for
certification CEUs are monitored and maintained by the Washington Certification Services.
6.1.7 Education and Training Program
Continuing educational opportunities are fundamental for staff in the Water Utility. The Water Utility
training budget is funded to support staff in maintaining their technical awareness and skill sets. Seminars,
conferences, and college coursework: 1) broaden their knowledge and 2) allow them to network with other
professionals involved in Water Utility work. Subjects include cross connection control, pumps, motors,
pressure reducing valves, hydrants, chlorination, generators, forklift training, confined space, first aid, CPR,
electrics, and other essential topics.
Most staff are tasked with specific job functions during their normal work shift and the consistent nature
of the work allows them to complete their jobs in a very professional and efficient manner. However, all
staff are rotated through an active cross training program to cope with employee absences such as
vacation, sickness, retirement, and termination.
6.2 Operations and Preventive Maintenance
The City’s water system is comprised of pump stations, chlorination stations, corrosion control facilities,
reservoirs, springs, and wells. Figure 1-3 presented in Chapter 1 provides an overview map of the major
existing system facilities. These components all work together to ensure that water is available to meet
customer demands. Primary operation of the water system is maintained via the SCADA computerized
control system. Wonderware software works in association with SCADA to provide real time graphical
display of system data for staff interpretation and control. The SCADA system is often referred to as the
Page 286 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-7
Telemetry system based on one of the definitions of Telemetry (the science and technology of the
transmission and measurement of data from a distant source). The City’s SCADA system is monitored in the
Public Works M&O Building, 1305 C Street SW, and responsibility for the system related to the Water Utility
falls under the Water Manager and associated staff.
Some of the functions that SCADA monitors, records, and controls include:
Reservoir levels
Source meter production
Pumps
Motors
Valves
Chlorination
Pressures: Low, High, Discharge, Suction
Alarms: Intrusion, Fire, Generator Run, Low Fuel, Overflows, Failures, Turbidity
Status reports are continuously received via radio and information regarding system demand is used to
determine system activation. The SCADA system includes logic programming which automates the process;
however, Operations staff can manually override most computer decisions, if necessary. The alarm
infrastructure is linked to WIN911 for after-hour call-out and response.
All data monitored by the SCADA system is electronically recorded by a computer server maintained by the
Innovation & Technology (IT) Department. A back-up copy is made each evening to ensure that records are
retrievable should hardware or software failures occur. SCADA records are available to all PW staff via the
City’s computer server. Access and control of the system is relegated to two dedicated computer terminals
at the M&O Building. The computer terminal that houses SCADA is password protected and entry into the
building is keycard access controlled.
The SCADA software and historical data is maintained on the City’s Wide Area Network (WAN). Staff have
access to the system via workstations connected to the WAN or remote network applications. A telephone
connection provides the auto-dialer for the WIN911 notification to phones or pagers. An Ethernet radio
connected to the computer system at the M&O Building sends and receives radio signals to/from the
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) at the water facilities. PLCs at the facilities are also able to
communicate directly with each other via radio signal.
The City recently completed a SCADA Upgrade Project, completed in 2024, which updated the system
platform to the most current version, modernizing the City’s SCADA system from its last major upgrade in
2015. Major components were also replaced throughout the system to provide more reliable
communication. The new hardware, in conjunction with software upgrades, provides additional control of
the city’s facilities.
6.2.1 Inspections, Preventive Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacement
Systematic inspection of Water Utility facilities is conducted on a daily or weekly basis by Distribution
Specialists under direction of the Water Operations Supervisor as summarized in Table 6-2. The inspection
process serves the following purposes:
System Confirmation - proper operation of automated control and monitoring equipment
Sound Check - listen for unusual noises
Well Levels - static and dynamic
Page 287 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-8
Equipment Check - pumps, motors, valves, chlorination, heaters, vents, generators, etc.
Security Verification - intrusion, vents, hatches, locks, gates, graffiti, etc.
A portion of the maintenance tasks handled by the Operations staff are associated with a Preventive
Maintenance Program and some of those activities are arranged to coincide with the Facility Inspection
Schedule shown in Table 6-22. The maintenance activities are based on equipment manufacturer
recommendations and maintenance staff observations for infrastructure located within and outside the
facility. Preventive maintenance tasks are essential for reliable operations and preservation of investment
so adherence to the program is stressed. Additional maintenance activities handled by Water Operations
staff include repairs, replacement, small improvement projects, and response to customer requests.
The Distribution staff is involved in the same activities as Water Operations staff regarding inspection,
preventive maintenance, repairs, replacement, and response to customer requests. Water Distribution
staff activities are usually in response to damage or leaks involving mainlines, service laterals, meters, meter
boxes, and hydrants. Other Distribution tasks include fire flow testing, system flushing, meter installation,
and miscellaneous small improvement projects.
Most customer requests are associated with water quality concerns and water pressure issues. Those
requests are handled by the Distribution staff and/or Cross Connection Specialists, on a case-by-case basis.
Table 6-2 | Water Operations - Facility Inspection Schedule
Type of Facility Facility Name Daily Inspection
5 Day Workweek
Weekly
Inspection
Academy Pump Station 3 X
Academy East Booster Pump Station X
Green River Pump Station X
Lea Hill Pump Station X
Lea Hill Booster Pump Station X
Lea Hill Intertie Booster Pump Station X
Terrace View Booster Pump Station X
Lakeland Hills Booster Pump Station X
Game Farm Park Pump Station X
Booster Pump Station
Braunwood Booster Pump Station X
Lea Hill Intertie Pump Station
(Re-chlorination)X
Terrace View Booster Pump Station
(Re-chlorination)X
Coal Creek Springs – Chlorine Gas X
West Hill Springs - Chlorine Gas X
Well 1 – Hypochlorite X
Well 3A – Chlorine Gas (when well is in operation)Off-line
Well 3B – Chlorine Gas (when well is in operation)Off-line
Well 4 - Hypochlorite X
Fulmer Field Corrosion Control Facility – Onsite
Generated Hypochlorite
(Treats Well 2, 6, and 7 sources)
X
Chlorination Facility
Well 5A - Hypochlorite X
Page 288 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-9
Type of Facility Facility Name Daily Inspection
5 Day Workweek
Weekly
Inspection
Braunwood Well - Hypochlorite X
Howard Road Corrosion Control Treatment Facility
(Treats Coal Creek Springs source)X
Corrosion Control Facility Fulmer Field Corrosion Control Treatment Facility
(Treats Well 2, 6 and 7 sources)X
Metals Removal Facility Well 5B
(Treats iron and manganese)Off-line
Reservoir 1 – Valley Service Area X
Reservoir 2 – Valley Service Area X
Reservoir 4A – Lea Hill Service Area X
Reservoir 4B – Lea Hill Service Area X
Reservoir 5 – Lakeland Service Area X
Reservoir 6 – Lakeland Service Area X
Reservoir 8A - Academy Service Area X
Reservoir 8B - Academy Service Area X
Reservoir
Braunwood Reservoir X
Coal Creek Springs XSpring Source West Hill Springs X
Well 1 X
Well 2 X
Well 3A (Off-line)Off-line
Well 3B (Off-line)Off-line
Well 4 X
Well 5 X
Well 5A X
Well 5B (Off-line)Off-line
Well 6 X
(when on)
X
(when off)
Well 7 (Off-line)Off-line
Well Source
Braunwood Satellite Well X
Tacoma B Street Intertie XIntertie Supply Tacoma 132nd Avenue Intertie X
6.2.2 Reservoir Maintenance
Reservoirs are a fundamental part of the water distribution system. They act as storage and regulating
devices for water flow and maintaining them in prime physical condition is an essential activity. The Water
Utility began a rigorous reservoir maintenance program in 1997 and it has evolved into an annual routine
function. Each year, two of the reservoirs have their interiors thoroughly inspected by a contractor
experienced in reservoir maintenance. The annual inspection process is based on a rotational schedule to
ensure inspection of each reservoir on a 5-year timetable.
Since the reservoirs are usually filled with water, a diver must conduct the inspection. The diver is equipped
with lights and an audio/video device to record the process. Issues of concern include corrosion, cracks,
and condition of coating on the walls, valve, fasteners, etc. The diver is also equipped with a vacuum unit
Page 289 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-10
to remove sedimentation. The contractor also performs a visual inspection of the exterior of the reservoir
for the same elements noted for the interior. The recording is reviewed by the contractor, a report is
generated based on the interior and exterior inspection and a copy of the report and recording are given
to the Water Manager and Water Utility Engineer for review.
If the report and recording indicate that a reservoir needs major repair, relining, or repainting, another
contractor is acquired for a recommended course of action. If interior work is required, the reservoir must
be drained of water. In those situations, a carefully orchestrated timetable and shifting of water resources
is necessary to balance maintenance with the needs of the City’s customers.
6.2.3 Pump Station Maintenance
Pump Stations are inspected daily or weekly depending on the station by Water Operations staff. The
inspection checklist includes confirming that proper operation of the automated controls and monitoring
equipment align with the standard operating procedures for the equipment, sound checks for unusual
noises, static and dynamic well level checks, equipment checks (pumps, motors, valves, chlorination,
heaters, vents, generators, etc.), security checks through visual inspection of the facility grounds for
intrusion, graffiti, or issues with vents, hatches, locks, gates, and anything else that may seem unusual or
misaligned.
6.2.4 Treatment Facility Maintenance
Treatment Facilities are inspected daily by Water Operations staff. The inspection checklist includes
confirming that proper operation of the automated controls and monitoring equipment align with the
standard operating procedures for the equipment, sound checks for unusual noises, equipment checks
(pumps, motors, valves, chlorination, heaters, vents, generators, aeration towers, etc.), security checks
through visual inspection of the facility grounds for intrusion, graffiti, or issues with vents, hatches, locks,
gates, and anything else that may seem unusual or misaligned.
6.2.5 Pressure Reducing Valve Stations
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Stations are inspected every month by Water Operations staff. The
inspection checklist includes condition of the vault, valves, inlet pressure, outlet pressure, and pilot
controls. Staff inspections are supplemented by a more thorough inspection and calibration process
conducted annually by a contractor that specializes in PRVs. Repair or replacement maintenance, unless
minor, is usually performed by the contractor. The City plans to implement an in-house repair maintenance
program.
Rebuilds of PRVs are typically done every three to five years based on the rebuild schedule.
6.2.6 Utility Locating Service
Two Water Utility staff are designated as the Utility Locators for all City utilities and roadway infrastructure
(Water, Storm Drainage, Sanitary Sewer, and Street lights and traffic signals) and additional staff may also
be present to provide flagging when safety issues arise. The number of location requests varies daily but
averages out to a full-time commitment. The Utility Locators report to the Water Operation Supervisor, but
location requests may be made indirectly by the Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer, or Storm Drainage
Supervisors.
Page 290 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-11
6.2.7 Fire Hydrant Inspection
In 1999, a fire hydrant inspection goal was initiated. The intent was to inspect, repair, and test at least one
third of the utility owned fire hydrants in the system each year. The importance of this program cannot be
understated since fire hydrants are the first defense against loss of life or property due to fire. The
inspections also improve water quality due to the stagnant water that is purged from the hydrant stubs. A
water de-chlorination program, in response to Ecology guidelines, was initiated in 2001 to treat water
purged from hydrant stubs. The Water Distribution Supervisor has made public hydrant inspection a year-
round routine task of Water Utility operations. Secondary maintenance of public hydrants such as rust
removal, painting, street reflector replacement, clearing obstructions, etc., is handled by seasonal part time
staff when time permits. Property owners with private hydrants are solely responsible for obtaining annual,
satisfactory inspections of their private hydrants from a qualified inspector.
6.2.8 Dead-end Flushing
A key component of water quality control is dead-end line flushing. The City has approximately 548 dead-
end mains throughout the distribution system. The water in dead-end mains tends to stagnate due to lack
of turnover which can have an impact on water quality for customers in the immediate vicinity. Flushing
dead-ends is the only effective way to purge the lines of stagnant water and associated particulate matter.
In 2000, an engineering consulting firm was hired to assist the City with the development of a Dead-end
Flushing Program. They examined the City’s distribution system via GIS data and supplemented the study
with field inspections. A comprehensive operating procedure detailing separate flushing instructions for
each dead-end was developed and continues to be used today.
Maintenance staff, under the direction of the Water Distribution Supervisor, follow the program
instructions and record their activities. This program has been incorporated into the Unidirectional Flushing
program, see Section 6.2.10.
6.2.9 Valve Exercising
The AWWA technical manual M44 Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Field Testing, and
Maintenance, suggests that valve exercising should be conducted each year and more frequently for valves
16 inches and larger.
The Water Utility has a Valve Exercising Program, which is in concert with the Unidirectional and Dead-end
Flushing programs. Historically, distribution valves have only been exercised on a limited and sporadic basis.
Through the Valve Exercising Program, the City’s goal is to exercise 25 percent of the distribution valves
each year. Hydrant foot valves are not included in the valve exercising program and instead, are exercised
as part of the hydrant inspection process.
Opening and closing valves by hand is a repetitive, ergonomically unsafe, and time-consuming task. The
City has purchased a portable valve exercising machine and vacuum device to speed up removal of debris
that collects in the bottom of valve boxes. Valves requiring repair or replacement are documented and
corrected by City Staff or contractors.
Additionally, Distribution staff work with GIS staff to correct inaccurate valve information in the City’s GIS
data.
Page 291 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-12
6.2.10 Unidirectional Flushing
In 2013, the City implemented a comprehensive Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) program to flush its water
system. The program’s goals include:
Improving cleaning of accumulated deposits on pipes,
Reducing water use, as compared with conventional flushing, and
Reducing the impact on customers.
The Water Distribution Supervisor is responsible for the UDF program to maintain Water Quality.
The UDF process concentrates flow within a pipe by closing valves and using specific hydrants to isolate
each pipeline and create flow in a single direction. The concentrated flows increase velocities within the
pipe that results in scouring of accumulated deposits on pipes. UDF may remove sand, gravel, plastic,
biofilms, and other accumulated materials that are not removed by conventional flushing. The cleaned
mains may have improved water clarity or color, reduced turbidity, and improved chlorine residual.
Flushing times of a half hour or less are typical, which can equate to substantial water savings. Therefore,
UDF is a key component of the City’s Water Use Efficiency (WUE) program. The reduced flushing time also
limits the impact on the Water Utility’s customers.
As previously mentioned, the City has incorporated the valve exercising and dead-end flushing programs
into the UDF program. Valves not used as part of a flushing sequence along each pipe length are exercised
by distribution system staff to complete the Valve Exercising Program. While the UDF program flushes
dead-end mains, more frequent dead-end main flushing may be required for water quality reasons. The
UDF program also provides static pressure measurements.
The City’s goal is to conduct UDF of approximately 20 percent of the system each year.
6.2.11 System Loss Program
The City has committed to an active System Loss Program to maintain water loss under 10 percent. The
achievement is documented each year in the Distribution System Leakage Report. Elements of the Program
include Leak Detection, Source Meter Calibration, Large Meter Testing, and Meter Replacement. Each of
these is discussed in detail below.
6.2.11.1 Leak Detection
The City is committed to a tight, non-leaking water distribution system. As of 2016, the city implemented
an in-house Leak Detection program, with a goal to inspect 90 miles of water main every year.
6.2.11.2 Source Meters
Source meters, also known as production meters, measure the amount of water emitted from the City’s
springs and wells. They are calibrated by an outside contractor under the direction of the Water Operations
Supervisor and if a meter cannot be calibrated properly, it is replaced with a new one.
6.2.11.3 Meter Replacement Program
Between 2017 and 2018, the City replaced all service meters with an Automated Metering Infrastructure
(AMI) system, under the Water Meter and Billing System Improvements project. The system automatically
receives meter reads via radio transmission and integrates the data into the City’s billing software. The
Page 292 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-13
benefits of an AMI system include increased accuracy and efficiency; early leak detection; high usage, zero
usage, and backflow detection; and improved customer service. This has saved staff time associated with
regular meter reading, missed or incorrect reads, final reads for customer account close-out, and
confirmation of high reads for potential leaks. An optional interactive customer portal allows customers to
view their monthly, daily, and hourly usage to see exactly when they are using water and how much. This
allows customers to better understand their water usage, encourages conservation, and potentially saves
them money.
The AMI system is anticipated to have a 20-year life. That includes the system components and batteries
in the radios. Meter replacement will be on a 20-year program to coincide with the AMI system.
6.2.11.4 Meter Services
Water Distribution staff are responsible for all new service connections under three inches and contractors
are usually secured for installation of sizes three inches and larger. Repairs, retrofits, or replacements of
existing services are typically conducted by Water Distribution Staff unless unusual circumstances arise.
Meter services consist of meters, meter vaults, meter boxes, service lines, valves, setters, and other
associated equipment. The City uses master meters when beneficial to the City and its customers. Master
meters are currently used at several mobile home parks, the Auburn Business Park, and Muckleshoot Indian
Tribe (MIT) commercial properties.
6.2.11.5 Large Meter Testing
Large meters are devices that measure water consumed by customers with significant demand
requirements. They are usually employed by the following customer classes:
Commercial
Farms or Parks – Irrigation
Schools
Multifamily Complexes
Industrial / Manufacturing Businesses
Wholesale Customers
Municipal Buildings
Large meters are defined as water meters three inches or larger. The system contains a total of 151 large
meters, all of which are calibrated annually, as part of the City’s System Loss Program.
Calibration of large meters is conducted by an outside contractor, but one maintenance staff member
under the direction of the Water Distribution Supervisor assists in the process. If a meter cannot be
calibrated, it is replaced with a new one.
6.2.12 Distribution System Corrosion Inspection
One program that the Water Distribution Division would like to activate, if additional funds and labor
resources are available, is a Distribution System Corrosion Inspection program. A significant percentage of
the City’s piping system is constructed of metal which is subject to corrosive deterioration. Corrosion is an
electrochemical reaction whereby metal is eroded and reduced. It is not possible to stop corrosion of metal
pipe, but it can be substantially reduced if proper anti-corrosive measures are taken.
Page 293 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-14
The Distribution System Corrosion inspection will identify which pipes can benefit from corrosion resistance
measures, resulting in a longer serviceable life. Popular measures taken to resist corrosion include coatings,
poly-bagging, and anode packs, and they are described further below:
Coatings are electrical insulator types of finishes applied to a surface and is the most common
method of corrosion protection. Though coatings are common, they are subject to damage and
decay. Damage from soil stress such as contraction and expansion can rip coatings from pipes.
Pinholes in the insulation, also known as holidays, can allow seepage between the coating and pipe
and accelerate corrosion. Penetration of the pipe occurs even more rapidly when pinholes are
present than it would on a bare line.
Anode packs are metal cylinders that are connected to a metal structure via electrically conductive
wires and inserted into the ground adjacent to the structure. The ground is subject to stray electric
currents and these currents are the electrical component of the electrochemical nature of
corrosion. Anode packs become the sacrificial metal to corrode in lieu of the structure. This type
of treatment, when initiated, provides benefits in two ways: 1) it could save substantial amounts
of money by reducing unnecessary, early replacement of pipe and 2) it would reduce possible
disruptive service to the City’s customers that could occur if pipe replacement were necessary.
Though anodes packs are effective and economical, their current capacity is limited and they
typically have a short lifespan.
Poly-bagging is the process of wrapping the exterior of buried water mains and appurtenances,
typically under the influence of corrosive soils, with polyethylene, creating a protective layer
around the mains and appurtenances. Poly-bagging is an effective method for corrosion protection
of water mains and they are resistant to tearing or puncturing. Though economical, they are not
as environmentally friendly and add another layer to maintenance activities.
6.3 Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring
The Water Operations staff maintains an active and ongoing program of water quality monitoring and
reporting to ensure a safe, high quality water supply. Two staff members are responsible for water quality
monitoring, sampling, control, and record keeping. The Water Operations staff also receives assistance
from the Engineering Services - Water Quality Program Coordinator. A detailed description of the City’s
water quality monitoring and results is presented in Appendix Q, which includes the following:
Summary of the City’s water quality monitoring programs.
Summary of recent water quality testing results.
Summary of the Wholesale Interties Blending Evaluation.
The City’s Water Quality Monitoring Program is detailed in a manual entitled “City of Auburn Public Water
System Water Quality Monitoring Plan” provided in Appendix O. The document includes plans associated
with coliform, lead and copper, disinfection by-products and treatment specific monitoring, and the Water
Quality Monitoring Schedule. These plans comply with DOH regulations for Group A public water systems.
All sampling is conducted in accordance with the annual Water Quality Monitoring Schedule received from
DOH. The City samples for inorganic and physical parameters, synthetic and volatile organic compounds,
asbestos, nitrate and nitrite, radionuclides, coliforms, residual chlorine, disinfection byproducts, lead and
copper, fluoride, and per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A map of the sampling locations is
included with the documents provided in Appendix O.
Additional sampling also occurs based on special requests by DOH or by customers concerned about water
quality issues involving unusual taste, odor, or color.
Page 294 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-15
The Water Manager maintains hard copies of the water quality analysis laboratory reports. These reports
are kept at the M&O Building in files organized by years and analysis type. As specified by DOH regulations,
chemical analysis reports are kept indefinitely, and bacteriological reports are maintained for a minimum
of five years.
The City will comply with the Follow-Up Action Requirements of WAC 246-290-320 whenever water quality
results exceed a prescribed level. The Water Utility also complies with the requirements of WAC 246-290
for public notification, as established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and DOH.
Forms for “Water Boil Notification” and “Drinking Water Problem Corrected Notification” have been
developed and are available for immediate distribution, if necessary. A list of the appropriate print, TV, and
radio media to contact for public notice is included in the electronic Emergency Response Manual. An
additional procedure described in the Emergency Response Manual to address water quality issues involves
an “Action Plan for Water System Contamination Via Threat Warning.”
The City maintains equipment to perform some basic water quality monitoring functions. However, all
testing required for water quality regulatory compliance is contracted to independent testing laboratories.
The current primary laboratory used by the City is:
Water Management Laboratory
1515 80th Street East
Tacoma, Washington 98404
206-531-3121
If testing cannot be done on a timely basis, the City also uses the following laboratory:
Analytical Resources, Inc.
4611 South 134th Place, Suite 100
Tukwila, WA 98168
206-695-6200
6.4 Emergency Preparedness and Response
The City has prepared an electronic Public Works Emergency Response Manual (Manual) as a guide for
management of emergency situations, with the objective of protecting life and property and restoration of
essential services, such as providing clean water, as quickly as possible. The Manual is only one element of
the City’s overall Emergency Response Plan, which serves as a guide and was first developed in 1999 in
response to the potential impact of Y2K. The Emergency Response Plan is updated annually at the first of
the year. It is not all-inclusive for every type of disaster that could occur but is a valuable tool for dealing
with many of the emergency situations that most utilities could face.
The Manual contains a detailed table of contents and is tabbed to allow quick access to information. Three
copies of the Manual have been published. Copies are located at the M&O Building, in Engineering Services
with the Public Works Director, and at the Valley Regional Fire Authority, Station 31. The Manual is also
available in digital format on the City’s computer server.
The master response program for the entire City is documented in the Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP), which provides guidance to the Emergency Management Organization for
mitigation, preparedness, responsibilities, recovery operations, training, and community education
activities. The CEMP also describes the functions of local government and incorporation of essential non-
Page 295 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-16
governmental organizations into the Emergency Management Organization. Copies are in each City
Department, the Public Works M&O Building, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority, Station 31. The CEMP
is also available in digital format on the City’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) computer server.
An additional emergency response manual that is available for use is the Water Division Intertie Locations
and Policy Manual. This manual contains contact names, addresses, and phone numbers for cities and
water districts that have intertie connections with the City. Included are photos of the intertie vaults, valves,
and meters, along with information for activating or deactivating an intertie. Three copies have been
published and are located at the M&O Building, in Engineering Services with the Water Utility Engineer,
and at the Valley Regional Fire Authority, Station 31.
The City has been involved with several tabletop exercises to prepare for emergencies and they are an
ongoing feature of the City’s Emergency Response Program. Staff, depending on their position, have also
been trained for emergencies in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA)
under the auspices of Homeland Security. The training program, known as the National Incident
Management System (NIMS), offers educational classes tailored for the Incident Command System (ICS).
The NIMS and ICS program is a solid blueprint for federal and local emergency command activities, but it
does not provide the type of response details needed by PW maintenance staff and managers.
Consequently, the PW Emergency Response Manual is the reference tool referred to on a more intimate
scale.
6.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The City’s Vulnerability Assessment (VA) was prepared in 2004 under the guidance of an engineering
consultant firm and it was submitted to the USEPA on November 15, 2004. A Water System Security
Improvement Plan (WSSIP) was also prepared in conjunction with the VA to prevent or significantly lessen
the impact of intrusive activities.
Recommendations noted in the WSSIP have been adequately addressed by completing the SCADA system
upgrades and physical security project. As further upgrades are completed at City facilities, the
recommendations noted in the WSSIP are considered, as well as other considerations as technology
continues to advance.
6.4.2 Wellhead Protection Program
The City’s wellhead protection program is key to managing potential sources of groundwater
contamination prior to their entry into the drinking water system. The wellhead protection plan (WHP) was
updated as part of the Plan and summarized in Chapter 5.
Engineering Services staff are charged with implementation of the program. Staff track and follow up on
construction projects, spills, and monitor possible contamination sources, as possible.
6.4.3 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
In Auburn City Code (ACC) 13.14 the Mayor may order water use restrictions and conservation measures,
when necessary, to protect public health, safety, and welfare during a water shortage or emergency caused
by drought conditions, city water utility damage or destruction, or any other cause which threatens to
disrupt or diminish the City’s water supply below its ability to meet normal demands.
Page 296 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-17
The City has also updated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, attached as Appendix R, which establishes
actions and procedures during impending or actual water shortages. These actions and activities maintain
levels of service essential for public health and safety, minimize adverse impacts on economic activity, and
protect customers’ lifestyles. The plan addresses both progressive situations, such as those that are
weather-related, and more drastic and immediate situations such as facility emergencies (e.g., a pipeline
break). Initial stages of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan may coincide with efforts in the WUE
program; however, it is distinct as it is a response to a specific situation, and it may lead to mandatory
restrictions and curtailment.
6.5 Safety Procedures
The City has a comprehensive safety program that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) regulations. The safety policies and
procedures for the water department are documented in 25 policies that are summarized in Table 6-3. The
policies cover the full range of hazards staff may experience while operating the water system. These
include, but are not limited to, operation of motor vehicles and equipment, chemicals, confined spaces,
falls, traffic, and fires. Each policy includes a purpose, organization affected, references, the policy,
definitions, procedures to implement the policy, and responsibilities for the implementation.
Responsibilities are assigned to individual roles, such as employee, supervisor, or safety manager. The
policies and procedures clearly identify contact information of the applicable regulating agencies in case of
a serious incident. All policies are available on the City’s intranet.
Table 6-3 | Safety Policies and Procedures
Number Policy Name Description
300-01 Workplace Health & Safety Document workplace health and safety policy
300-03 Hearing Conservation Implement program to protect employee hearing
300-04 Personal Protective Equipment
Establish policy that requires employees to always use
personal protective equipment when performing certain
tasks or when in an unsafe environment
300-05 Flagger Certification Flagger certification requirements
300-06 First Aid Employee first aid training, first aid supplies and
emergency stations
300-07 Hazard Reporting Procedure to report an obvious or potential safety or
health hazard
300-08 Incident Reporting Procedures for reporting non-vehicular incidents
300-09 On The Job Injury Establish policy to monitor on-the-job injuries
300-10 Safety Inspection of City Owned Facilities Procedure for inspection of all City-owned and operated
facilities
300-11 Central Safety Committee Establish function and structure of Central Safety
Committee
300-13 Emergency Evacuations of City Buildings Procedure for evacuation of City buildings in the event of
an emergency
300-14 Safety Restraints & Seat Belts Requires mandatory use of safety restraints/seat belts
while driving or riding in the City vehicles
300-15 Excavation Trenching & Shoring Establish policy for shoring and sloping all excavations or
trenches over four (4) feet in depth
Page 297 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-18
Number Policy Name Description
300-16 Safety Line Procedure All Cranes,
Backhoes, & Hoists
Procedures for controlling moving loads being hoisted or
swinging ground or truck using hoists, backhoes, cranes,
or any mechanical device use in moving loads
300-17 Chemical Hazard Communication
(Worker Right To Know)
Establish chemical and global hazard communication
program to assure the health and safety of City
employees
300-18 Welding, Brazing, & Cutting Procedure for welding, cutting or brazing work or
practices which may result in an injury or death
300-19 Lockout & Tagout Requirements for the lockout or tagout of energy
isolating devices
300-20 Bloodborne Pathogens
Procedure to prevent exposure to blood or other
substances and materials that may carry bloodborne
pathogens. Procedures for decontamination of
equipment and evaluation and treatment of employees
who experience exposure.
300-21 Reporting Vehicle Accidents Procedure for reporting vehicle accidents
300-22 Heat Related Illness Training for potential heat related illness
300-23 Confined Spaces Procedures for entering a confined space
300-24 Green Housekeeping Guidelines Procedures that sustain a "Green Cleaning" environment
300-25 Respiratory Protection Program Procedures that will prevent employees from inhaling
hazardous airborne chemicals
300-26 Fall Protection & Rooftop Safety Procedures for rooftop safety and use of fall protection
300-27 Powered Industrial Trucks Training, operation, and safety of powered industrial
vehicles
In addition to the policies, all M&O staff receive safety training. The contents of the training are periodically
reviewed and updated, if necessary, through departmental and city-wide safety committees. The Human
Resources and Risk Management Department maintains information and schedules on safety training.
The City maintains appropriate safety equipment and information. Each vehicle and facility have a fire
extinguisher and first aid kit. All staff use personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses,
safety vests, etc., appropriate to the task. Climbing equipment and lockout/tagout equipment is available
and stored at the M&O Building and the Well 7 storage facility. Additionally, each site with chemicals has a
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) book that contains the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals on
site. A master sheet of all chemicals used by the Water Utility is maintained at the M&O Building.
6.6 Cross Connection Control Program
The City’s Cross Connection Control Program (provided in Appendix Q) protects the public water system as
defined by WAC 246.290.010, WAC 246.290.490, and Auburn City Code (ACC) 13.12 from contamination
via cross connection hazards. It describes minimum operating policies, provides guidelines for installation,
testing, and maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies, permitting process, inspection, and
survey requirements for existing and new water service connections. The program is maintained by two
Cross Connection Specialists under the direction of the Water Operations Supervisor. The specialists are
responsible for identification and elimination of potential and actual cross connections and contamination
hazards within the public water system.
Page 298 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-19
6.7 Sanitary Survey Findings
DOH completes periodic inspections of the City’s water facilities, their operations, and facility records to
identify potential health risks to the public. The sanitary survey, conducted by DOH on August 22, 2022,
identified significant deficiencies such as air gaps or backflow assemblies that must be added to the water
supply lines at Wells 5 and 5A. Additionally, repair needs were identified for the reservoir overflow screens
at Reservoirs 8A and 8B.
DOH identified the need to terminate the pump to waste line at Well 5 above grade and either raise the
casing at Well 5A or provide a sump pump or alarms to address potential water accumulation in the vault.
Weekly vault inspections, especially after significant storms, were recommended until a permanent
solution is implemented.
The survey noted that the reservoir vents at Reservoirs 4A, 4B, and 8A should open downward to prevent
debris entry. It also identified a need for evaluation of the overflow piping at Reservoirs 2, 4A, and 4B, to
ensure compliance with regulations.
The next DOH sanitary survey is scheduled for 2027.
The City has taken the following actions to address some of the deficiencies identified in the sanitary survey.
A backflow assembly was installed at Well 5A.
The reservoir overflow screen at Reservoirs 8A and 8B was repaired on September 13, 2022.
The City implemented an inspection and maintenance program to conduct weekly inspections at
Well 5A and immediately after a significant storm even.
The direct connections of reservoir overflows (Reservoirs 4A and B to drains, sanitary sewer, and/or
storm sewer) have been addressed.
The following deficiencies identified in the sanitary survey will be addressed with ongoing or planned
Capital Improvement Projects identified in Chapter 8 and are captured in Section 6.13 as recommended
improvements:
Reservoir vents will be retrofitted or replaced as part of the ongoing Reservoirs 4A, 4B, 8A, and 8B
Seismic Valves Retrofit capital project.
The request for the pump to waste line at Well 5 to terminate above grade will be addressed with
a capital improvement project.
The direct connections of reservoir overflows (Reservoirs 2) to drains, sanitary sewer, and/or storm
sewer, will be addressed with a capital improvement project.
6.8 Customer Complaint Response Program
One member of the Water Distribution staff is a Customer Service Representative. This individual is
responsible for meter turn-on and turn-off, delinquency notices, meter rereads, new service reads, final
service reads, leak adjustments, high consumption investigations, account documentation, and other
duties, as assigned. The employee maintains a modified work schedule, which provides more flexibility in
dealing with emergency service requests by customers.
Page 299 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-20
Beginning in 2006, the Water Utility, along with the rest of PW transitioned to an asset management
software system called CarteGraph. Some of the benefits include:
Ability to assign and track citizen complaints and requests
Produce work orders
Monitor work and maintenance projects
Track costs for labor, equipment, and material
Enhanced inventory control
Integration with GIS
Benchmark analysis
Generate reports
Track infrastructure conditions – GASB 34
The City has a customer service program accessible by the public and City staff via the City’s website.
Customers fill out the online Citizen Report form and describe the services they are seeking. The submitted
form downloads into the CarteGraph system for review and action by staff. In addition, customers can stay
connected with the City on mobile devices with a SeeClickFix application. The SeeClickFix app allows
customers to report graffiti, abandoned vehicles or potholes, water issues, etc.
6.8.1 Customer Request Response Program
As described above, the CarteGraph system can assign and track customer requests (or complaints) and
produce work orders. The City maintains a list of requests and identifies the work done to respond to any
requests from the public. The City categorizes the citizen reported issues into the following five categories:
Water Appearance: contains all requests related to the color of the water (brown, discoloration,
cloudy, etc.)
Odor: contains all requests related to water smell (chemical, sulfur, chlorine smell, etc.)
Pressure: contains all requests related to change in water pressure (pressure drop, high water
pressure, fluctuation in pressure, etc.)
Taste: contains all requests related to water taste (poor, bitter, strong chlorine taste, etc.)
Water Quality: contains all requests related to a combination of odor, taste, and discoloration
issues.
Customer requests are entered into the CarteGraph or SeeClickFix and a work order is generated. Typically,
a Distribution staff member or team will investigate the issue and respond directly to the customer.
A table summarizing the number and type of requests or complaints is provided in Chapter 3.
6.9 Recordkeeping and Reporting
All recordkeeping and reporting practices follow DOH regulations as specified in WAC 246-290-480. The
Water Manager maintains hard copies of the water quality analysis laboratory reports. These reports are
kept at the M&O Building in files organized by year and analysis type.
Analytical laboratories submit reports directly to DOH. As specified by the regulations, chemical analysis
reports are kept indefinitely, and bacteriological reports are maintained for a minimum of five years.
Page 300 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-21
Additionally, Construction Completion Reports are submitted to DOH, as required. Construction
Completion Reports for distribution main projects are maintained on file at the City and are available upon
request by DOH, in accordance with WAC 246-290-125.
Water production and purchase source meters are read daily (during the work week). Paper copies are
scanned at the end of the month and digital copies in pdf format are maintained on the City computer
server by month and year. Annual summary spreadsheets are also maintained on the computer server. This
data is added to the monthly DOH reports. Records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years.
Chlorine residual samples are collected in the distribution system and analyzed on a weekly basis. Summary
spreadsheets are maintained on the City computer server by year. Records are maintained for a minimum
of three years.
Monthly reports containing water production and treatment data are submitted to DOH by the 10th day of
the following month, using forms provided by DOH. Signed paper copies are scanned to produce a digital
copy and are maintained on the City computer server, organized by year. Digital copies are maintained for
a minimum of 10 years.
Most records that Water Utility collected in the past are based on hard copy paper forms. This includes
forms that track maintenance and inspection records used for pumps, valves, meters, reservoirs, hydrants,
operating equipment, etc. A portion of the integration process with CarteGraph involved the collection and
collation of historical data into a form that can be downloaded into the software system. The City’s goal is
a near-paperless documentation system that can be accessed by staff in the office, field, or home on a 7-
day, 24-hour basis. Existing electronic records include those described below.
6.9.1 Cross Connection Control Program
Cross Connection Control records are managed with Tokay software and Laserfiche. Test reports conducted
are stored in Laserfiche and are kept for 5 years. Tokay is used for creating reports, identifying and updating
when tests are required, and general data entry and management of cross connection devices per parcel.
6.9.2 Water Meter Consumption
Water meter consumption records are maintained by the Finance Department using the Springbrook Utility
Billing System. These records include customer account data for classes of customers, billing, service,
comments, and questions. The system also includes a tracking feature for water sold each month as well
as annual total water sales. The tracking feature is useful because data on water consumption by customer
type and season supports the City’s WUE Program, per Chapter 4. The Finance Department also provides
staff with monthly financial reports regarding Water Utility operations.
The City also uses AMI throughout the system as a tool for the WUE Program. Using AMI data, the City may
be able to identify customer leaks and, as a result, provide cost savings in the Leak Detection, Repair, and
Service Meter Replacements programs. Advanced metering also aids the City’s efforts to reduce non-
payment of bills and water theft.
6.9.3 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
The SCADA system monitors, records, and controls water system operations at various facilities. The
electronic records are maintained by the IT Department and a back-up copy is made each evening to ensure
that records are retrievable should hardware or software failure occur.
Page 301 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-22
Please note that the SCADA system is discussed more thoroughly in Section Error! Reference source not
found. of this chapter.
6.9.4 Water Meter Reading
Effective January 1, 2019, the City transitioned to monthly consumption billing. The Utility Billing staff
imports the water meter reads monthly into the City Utility Billing System. With the implementation of the
AMI system, the City obtained a Cloud-Based Data Analytics Solution with meter data management
capabilities called Sensus Analytics. Within Sensus Analytics, is a billing access application, which enables
Utility Billing staff to generate and export a billing request file defined by a billing cycle and billing window.
Subsequently, the file that contains meter numbers, account numbers, and current water meter reads are
imported into the City Utility Billing System. The Utility Billing staff reviews abnormally high or low
consumption levels compared to previous readings from the previous year, same period.
Water service meters are read monthly to document customers’ water usage for billing purposes. The AMI
system automatically stores and transmits the water use data for utility billing, without the need for
personnel to collect the data on site.
6.10 Summary of O&M Deficiencies and Recommended
Improvements
6.10.1 Water Facilities Evaluation Study
The City completed an extensive Water Facilities Evaluation Study in 2014. The study conducted a physical
inspection and evaluation of 40 out of the City’s 97 water supply facilities. Inspections included pump
stations, treatment facilities, reservoirs, wells, transmission mains, and PRVs. Inspections considered
general conditions, corrosion and rust, structural deficiencies, ability to meet current code, and operational
constraints. In addition to the inspections, the remaining useful life of the facilities were developed in a
desktop analysis for pump, motor, pipe, valve, general electrical equipment, and major electrical
equipment.
Where notable deficiencies were identified in the inspections or assets exceeded their usable life,
improvements were recommended. Many of the recommended improvements have been completed or
are currently scheduled to be completed and identified in the Capital Improvement Plan. Remaining
improvements less than or equal to $10,000 are considered capital maintenance projects, which the City
staff or a small works contractor will address as part of the normal M&O budget and are not identified in
the Capital Improvement Plan.
Based on the observed facilities, general maintenance improvements are recommended for each facility to
create a schedule of improvements based on the facility’s remaining useful life. Regular facility inspections
are also recommended, as summarized in Error! Reference source not found.. Additionally, maintenance
plans were developed for each inspected water system facility. These plans included the improvement type,
estimated project cost, and frequency the improvement is required.
Table 6-4 | Recommended Inspections
Asset Type Recommended Inspection Frequency (years)
Pump Perform pump test 5
Motor Check motor amp draw 5
Page 302 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-23
Asset Type Recommended Inspection Frequency (years)
Reservoir Inspect coating thickness 5
Reservoir Inspect reservoir interior 5
PRV Station Inspect for corrosion and signs of flooding 1
Structure Inspect for cracks in grout (where applicable)1
Piping Inspect for general coating conditions 3
6.10.2 Recommended Improvements
The City operates and maintains an efficient, environmentally sound, and safe water system.
Recommended improvements include the outstanding projects identified from the 2014 Facility Evaluation
Study, outstanding items to be corrected from the 2022 Sanitary Survey, and general continued repairs and
maintenance activities that are conducted by M&O staff or contracted out. Table 6-5 provides a summary
of the identified O&M projects and their costs.
Table 6-5 | O&M Improvement Projects
O&M Deficiency Planned
Year Notes
The pump to waste line at Well 5 to terminate above grade will be
addressed with a capital improvement project. (Identified in 2022
Sanitary Survey)
2026-2028 Included with the Well 5/Well
5A Upgrades Project
Raising the casing at Well 5A to terminate above grade or the
provision of a sump pump or alarms to activate when water
accumulates in the vault. (Identified in 2022 Sanitary Survey)
2026-2028 Included with the Well 5/Well
5A Upgrades Project
Reservoir vents will be retrofitted or replaced as part of the
ongoing Reservoirs 4A, 4B, 8A, and 8B Seismic Valves Retrofit
capital project.
(Identified in 2022 Sanitary Survey)
2024-2025
Included in CP2219 –
Reservoirs 4 and 8 Seismic
Rehabilitation
The direct connections of reservoir overflows at Reservoirs 2 to
drains, sanitary sewer, and/or storm sewer, will be addressed with
a capital improvement project. (Identified in 2022 Sanitary Survey)
2024-2025 Included in Reservoir 2 Valves
Project
Conduct inspections of facilities at frequency recommended in the
Facilities Evaluation Study. --
Refer to Table 6-4. To be
completed via annual M&O
operating budget.
Continue distribution system corrosion inspection.TBD
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Develop a UDF Program for the Lakeland Service Areas.TBD
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Replace source water supply meters with flow transmitters for
improved electronic data transmission and record keeping. TBD
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue PRV Vault Repairs 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Pump and Equipment Repairs and Maintenance 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Page 303 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Operations and Maintenance Program Page 6-24
O&M Deficiency Planned
Year Notes
Continue Annual HVAC Maintenance and Repairs 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Fencing Repairs at Water Facilities 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Generator Maintenance and Repair 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Large Meter Repair and Testing 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Chlorine Feed and Analyzer Maintenance 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Continue Vegetation Control and Maintenance at Water Facilities 2024-2026
To be completed via annual
M&O operating budget as
funds are available.
Page 304 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Distribution Facilities Design and Construction Standards Page 7-1
CHAPTER 7
Distribution Facilities Design
and Construction Standards
This chapter outlines the Engineering Design and Construction Standards (EDCS) of the City of Auburn (City),
concerning its water system. It encompasses policies and procedures governing project review and
approval. To ensure the highest level of water system reliability, integration of the EDCS into the broader
city infrastructure is essential. The City recognizes the interdependence of its water system with other
municipal services. As such, there is an ongoing collaborative effort between the Water Division and other
relevant City departments, such as Community Development and Finance, as well as non-City stakeholders,
such as the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA).
The integration of the EDCS in this Water System Plan empowers the City to employ an alternative review
process for distribution main projects, through the submittal exception process, which permits the City to
approve project reports and construction documents without written approval from the Department of
Health (DOH). This submittal exception is granted provided the conditions specified in WAC 246-290-125(2)
are met.
The submittal exception does not apply for source of supply, reservoir, pump station, and water treatment
projects. For those projects, the City will seek approval from DOH through the submittal process outlined
in WAC 246-290-110 and 246-290-120.
The following topics are addressed in this chapter:
7.1 Project Review Procedures
7.2 Policies and Requirements for Outside Parties
7.3 Design and Construction Standards
7.4 Construction Certification
7.1 Project Review Procedures
For all construction activities related to the City's water system, coordination must be done directly through
the City’s Water Department. The City’s Water Department reviews plans, including calculations, reports,
and AutoCAD files, to verify conformity with development requirements, City standards, City policies, as
well as other federal, state, and local requirements. The plan sets are required to feature an overall utility
plan illustrating public water facilities and private connections within the water service boundary,
regardless of whether the project is inside or outside the City limits. City staff also review projects proposed
by developers or other water purveyors to determine impacts to the City's water system facilities.
Development review processes are detailed in the Engineering Design Standards (EDS), available on the
City’s website. Compliance with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) "Standard
Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction," and relevant City, State, and Federal
regulations is also evaluated during the review process.
Page 305 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Distribution Facilities Design and Construction Standards Page 7-2
All water-related improvements projects, whether for capital improvement or development, undergo a
thorough review process by the Water Division, including evaluation by the VRFA and City’s Fire Authority
for fire protection standards. Additionally, all plans involving main extensions, modifications, and fire
service installations must be stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Washington State.
7.2 Policies and Requirements for Outside Parties
The City manages the water utility in accordance with established water- system policies that govern
various facets of utility operations. City policies are established by the City to provide a vision or mission of
the water utility and to provide a framework for the design, operation, and ongoing wellbeing of the City’s
water utility.
Policies are developed specifically for the City’s multi-source municipal water system and seek to provide
consistent treatment to all utility customers and to provide documentation to current water-system
customers as well as those considering service from the City. What is included in these policies is limited to
those things related to the water system and its design, maintenance, and operation. There are other
policies and criteria that pertain to the water utility the City has in place regarding land use, development,
and financial components that could still have an impact on the needs of the water system. These policies
and criteria may include factors such as zoning regulations, building codes, infrastructure requirements,
and financing options. These additional factors will be considered when planning for the water system, to
meet the needs of the community in a sustainable and effective matter.
Policies set forth for development are described in the Water System Policies provided as Appendix A of
this Plan.
7.3 Design and Construction Standards
Within the Retail Water Service Area (RWAS), the City has established specific standards governing the
design and construction of water mains, detailed in the City's EDCS. The EDCS collectively contains the
following:
City of Auburn Engineering Design Standards (EDS).
City of Auburn Engineering Construction Standards (ECS):
o City of Auburn Engineering Construction Standards – Standard Details (STD DTL)
o City of Auburn Engineering Construction Standards – General Special Provisions (GSP)
o City of Auburn Engineering Construction Standards – Technical Special Provisions (TSP)
These standards undergo periodic updates, with the most recent revision in 2024. The City's 2024 design
standards and construction specifications related to the water system are outlined in Appendix P.
Additionally, this plan incorporates relevant sections of the City's current construction standards, including
materials, methods, and standard details applicable to the construction of water system appurtenances.
For detailed information, the latest versions of the collective EDCS are accessible for view on the City's
Public Works web page.
Table 7-1 lists sections of the EDCS sections for the specifications, drawing standards, and special conditions
of water main installations, extensions, and replacements. Standards for supply sources, reservoirs, pump
stations, and water treatment facilities are not presented due to the complex nature of these facilities. For
Page 306 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Distribution Facilities Design and Construction Standards Page 7-3
those projects, the City will seek approval from DOH through the submittal process outlined in WAC 246-
290-110 and 246-290-120.
Table 7-1 | Water Main Design and Construction Standards
Specifications for:
Pipe material and pipe class. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certified materials
required for all pipes.EDS Section 7.01.02
Disinfection procedures (include de-chlorination or chlorinated water
disposal specifications).TSP – 7.09.3(24)
Pipe bedding and installed depth of bury.EDS Section 9.05
Bacteriological testing.TSP – 7.09.3(24)N
Pressure and leakage testing.TSP – 7.09.3(23)
Separation from sewer mains, non-potable conveyance systems, and
other buried utilities.EDS Section 6.02
Valve spacing.EDS Section 7.03
Construction Drawings Standards
Plan and profile views drawn to a particular scale EDS Sections 3.03, 3.04 & 3.04.07
Easement locations and dimensions
EDS Sections 2.02, 3.04 & 3.04.07.B,
6.01, 7.01.04, 7.01.05, 7.02.01, 7.03
and STD DTL W-06.3, W-22.2, W-23.3,
Appurtenant Design Standard Drawings
Pipeline trench cross-section, including pipe bedding, backfill,
compaction, and road restoration standard details STD DTL T-01
Hydrants (for fire, flushing)STD DTL W-07, W-08
Valves STD DTL W-17, W-18, W-19
Service Meters STD DTL W-15, W-16, W-16a
Service lines and service connection to main STD DTL W-9, W-13, W-14
Air relief, vacuum relief, and combination air-vacuum relief valve and
valve vault STD DTL W-02
Pressure reducing valve stations Submittal review (project specific)
Thrust blocking STD DTL W-01
Backflow prevention assemblies STD DTL W-21, W-22, W-23, W-24, W-
25
Blow-offs STD DTL W-03, W-04
Special Conditions
Pipeline corrosion mitigation measures TSP 7.09.03(25)
Potable/non-potable pipeline crossing construction details EDS Section 6.02
Stream-crossing construction details N/A
Individual service booster pumps N/A
Temporary water service (i.e., employed during water main
replacement or emergency repair)N/A
Page 307 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Distribution Facilities Design and Construction Standards Page 7-4
7.4 Construction Certification
Construction work aimed at improving City roads and utilities, whether initiated by private developers or
the City itself, must adhere to approved contract documents. City approval is mandatory for any
modifications to approved plans before implementation, especially for work within the public right-of-way
(ROW) or designated easements. Compliance with general WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications,
approved plans, and the City's EDCS is strictly enforced.
Prior to the start of construction, a pre-construction meeting must be held by the City and the developer,
contractor, and/or designated representative. Pre-construction meetings establish the first touch point
between the City and developer/contractor to discuss the schedule, certain unique aspects of the work,
any special restrictions, and general coordination and communication protocols. Consistent presence of
the approved set of plans with redline markups identified and requisite permits at the job site during
construction is a shared responsibility of the City, the developer, and the construction contractor. The City
exercises its authority to enforce standards through appointed project engineers, assistants, and
inspectors, ensuring collective adherence to specified standards. Inspections, test measurements, and
actions outlined in the City's Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards are pivotal. Post-
construction, the submission of as-built drawings is mandated.
Non-compliance with approved project documents can lead to stop-work orders and potential removal of
completed elements, subject to penalties established by ordinance. The project's conclusive status is
granted only when the City issues a formal letter of acceptance to the responsible party.
Upon completion of construction activities related to the water system, including disinfection, flushing, and
pressure testing for water mains, a construction completion report must be submitted. This document
becomes part of the project records, and the release of water meters for any lot or building linked to a
project is contingent upon final acceptance.
Page 308 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-1
CHAPTER 8
Capital Improvements
Program
This chapter’s objective is to develop a cohesive Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the City of Auburn
(City) by summarizing and prioritizing all capital projects identified in the previous chapters. The CIP
provides a comprehensive accounting of capital projects needed to continue consistent, efficient water
supply to the City’s Retail Water Service Area (RWSA) through the 20-year planning horizon. The
recommended projects were developed in coordination with City staff.
Projects identified as part of the City's asset management program that are anticipated to cost greater than
$50,000 were included as capital projects. The capital projects discussed in Section 8.2 include water supply
and storage improvements, improvements to the distribution system, and upgrades or replacement of
aging facilities and distribution piping as discussed in Chapter 3.
Projects were allocated to the 10-year (2025 to 2034) and 20-year (2035-2044) planning horizons. Planned
projects coincide with the City’s current Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and have been placed into specific years
for planned completion. These timeframes are intended to be a framework for future funding decisions
that directs when future actions and decisions are intended to occur. However, these timeframes are
estimates, and depending on factors involved in the processing of applications and project work, and
availability of funding, the timing may change from the included timeframes. The framework does not
represent actual commitments from the City, which may depend on funding and staffing resources
available.
8.1 Prioritization
8.1.1 Project Identification
Capital projects are organized into two categories to help provide a better understanding of the primary
project driver as follows:
Capacity Projects (CAP): These projects are needed to expand infrastructure capacity to meet
increased demands associated with current deficiencies or projected growth.
Non-Capacity (Non-CAP): These projects are needed to address aged and/or obsolete equipment
to maintain and/or improve the reliability of the infrastructures system. These projects are needed
to improve existing infrastructure for reasons other than capacity.
The capital projects are also identified and grouped into categories based on the infrastructure they are
focused on. Each project is assigned an identification number (Project ID) with the following ID prefixes:
Supply (S): These projects are associated with the City’s water supply sources and treatment
facilities.
Page 309 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-2
Storage (R): These projects are associated with the City’s storage reservoirs or allow modifications
in the system impacting reservoir storage transfer throughout the RWSA.
Pump Stations (PS): These projects are associated with the City’s pump stations or booster pump
stations (BPS).
Distribution (D): These projects are associated with the City’s transmission and distribution piping
systems.
General Improvements (G): General improvement projects do not fit into the other categories and
may be broader, impacting multiple components of the City’s water system.
8.1.2 Prioritization Factors
The capital projects for the facilities improvements were prioritized based on system deficiencies, safety
concerns, maintenance or capacity requirements, and regulatory requirements.
The capital projects for the capacity driven distribution system improvements were prioritized based on
the fire flow availability; projects resolving the largest deficits were prioritized higher, and as such are
planned to be completed sooner than projects resolving smaller deficits. The capital projects for the
condition driven distribution improvements were prioritized based on the existing pipe age, size, and
material. More details are discussed in Chapter 3.
The priority order of these improvements is reflected in the schedule of improvements, which is presented
in Section 8.3 and Appendix W.
8.1.3 Estimated Costs
“Active projects” are projects that are currently underway for completion. The project costs presented
include total project costs for the current and future years and are presented in 2024 dollars.
For projects already included in the City’s 2023 CFP, it was assumed that the project cost in 2024 dollars
remains the same, unless the costs were identified as needing to be reassessed.
For planned capital projects identified in the 2015 WSP that have not been completed and are not included
in the City’s 2023 CFP, the project costs were escalated from 2014 dollars as presented in the 2015 WSP to
2024 dollars using the Engineering News Record (ENR) Construction Cost Index (CCI).
For all other projects that were newly identified, modified, or reassessed, planning-level project cost
estimates were developed for the improvements using average costs from RSMeans, HeavyBid
Construction Cost Data, recent City of Auburn project bid tabs, City input, industry experience, and local
contractor and supplier costs. These project costs are planning-level estimates and are categorized as Class
5 estimates, as defined by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International:
Class 5 estimates are generally prepared based on very limited information, and subsequently have
wide accuracy ranges. As such, some companies and organizations have elected to determine that
due to the inherent inaccuracies, such estimates cannot be classified in a conventional and systemic
manner.
Class 5 estimates are prepared for any number of strategic business planning purposes, such as but
not limited to market studies, assessment of initial viability, evaluation of alternate schemes, project
Page 310 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-3
screening, project location studies, evaluation of resource needs and budgeting, long-range capital
planning, etc.
Typical accuracy ranges for Class 5 estimates are -50 % to -20% on the low side and +30% to +100%
on the high side, depending on the construction complexity of the project, appropriate reference
information and other risks (after inclusion of an appropriate contingency determination). Ranges
could exceed those shown if there are unusual risks.
All project descriptions and cost estimates in this WSP represent planning-level accuracy and opinions of
costs (-50 percent to +100 percent).
During the pre-design phase of each project, the project definition, scope, and specific information (e.g.,
pipe length and diameter, roadway restoration requirements, permitting requirements) should be verified.
The final cost of individual projects will vary depending on actual labor and material costs, site conditions,
market conditions, regulatory requirements, project schedule and other factors. Because of these factors,
project feasibility and risks must be carefully reviewed prior to making specific financial decisions or
establishing project budgets to support proper project evaluation and adequate funding.
Total estimated project costs were developed through a progression of steps and multiple methodologies.
The steps included development of component unit costs, construction costs and, finally, total project
costs. The component unit cost includes the sum of materials, labor and equipment of a project’s basic
features. The construction cost is the sum of component costs and construction markups, which includes
a 30 percent allowance for contingency and 10.2 percent for sales tax. The total project costs presented is
the sum of construction costs with the following additional allowances:
15 percent for City management, survey, legal, and project administration.
15 percent engineering design.
15 percent construction management and inspection.
The following costs are not included, unless specifically noted:
Land or right-of-way acquisition.
Maintenance expenses.
Operation expenses.
All cost estimates were developed as total project costs in March 2024 dollars. In Table 8-10, costs have
been inflated and escalated using an annual increase rate from 2024 dollars to their planned
implementation year. For projects that will be designed or constructed in 2024, an annual increase of eight
percent was used. For projects that will be designed or constructed after 2024, an annual increase of five
percent was used. For future budgeting purposes, the latest engineering news record (ENR) Construction
Cost Index (CCI) can be used to project current estimates to the year of implementation. The cost estimates
for the Auburn area used the ENR CCI in Seattle of 15,477 (March 2024).
8.1.3.1 Pipeline Component Unit Costs
The pipelines unit costs were developed using recent City construction bid tabs assuming the use of ductile
iron pipe and a typical cover depth of four feet. The estimated unit cost is provided by pipe diameter per
linear foot of pipe in Table 8-1, which includes the cost for the pipe, trench, roadway restoration,
appurtenances, installation, and direct construction markups. As the diameter of pipe and the trench width
increase, the costs also increase.
Page 311 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-4
Table 8-1 | Water Pipeline Construction Costs per Linear Foot
Pipe Diameter (inch)Unit Construction Cost
($/linear foot)
8 $490
10 $510
12 $520
14 $570
16 $630
18 $730
20 $780
24 $880
8.1.3.2 Reservoir Component Unit Costs
Reservoir (storage tank) unit costs were determined based on the tank volume in gallons. Conceptual costs
for tanks vary based on the material of storage: prestressed concrete and welded steel being the most
common options. Unit costs for the different reservoir options are presented in Table 8-2 in terms of cost
per gallon of storage. The unit costs do not include site piping, site improvements, land acquisition, repair,
or recoating. Storage reservoir costs are sensitive to site-specific geotechnical and seismic considerations.
A tank siting study is necessary whenever a new tank project is initiated to obtain the information required
to inform the design.
Table 8-2 | Reservoir Tank Construction Costs per Gallon
Tank Material Unit Construction Cost
($/gallon)
Prestressed Concrete $1.50
Welded Steel $1.25
8.2 Capital Improvement Program Summary and Schedule
8.2.1 Completed Projects
The following projects have been completed since 2015 WSP was completed:
S-01: Onsite Improvements Projects, completed in 2016.
S-02: Emergency Power Improvements Project, completed in 2016.
S-17: West Hill Springs Flow Control Improvements, completed in 2017.
S-19: Fulmer Field Improvements Project, completed in 2018.
R-01: Lakeland Hills Reservoir 5 Improvements, completed in 2016.
D-03: SCADA Upgrades, completed in 2015.
D-10: Pipeline Asset Management Study, completed in 2020.
D-13: Lea Hill PRV Station Improvements, completed in 2018.
D-14: Valley AC Main Replacement, completed in 2015.
PS-03: Green River Pump Station Emergency Power, completed in 2020.
PS-07: Academy Pump Station No.1 Improvements, completed in 2023.
G-06: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) Casino Master Meters, completed in 2016.
G-09: Water Meter & Billing System Improvements, completed in 2018
Page 312 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-5
The following projects have been eliminated since 2015 WSP was prepared:
G-05 - Utilities Field Operations Center: This project was replaced with a more comprehensive
upgrade to the City’s Operations and Maintenance Facilities as reported in the 2021 Limited
Comprehensive Plan Update.
D-12 - Academy Transmission Replacement: This project was eliminated, after further investigation
found no issues with the existing pipeline.
D-15: Braunwood Transmission: This project was split from Reservoir Seismic Rehabilitation (R-06)
identified in the 2015 WSP. This project was originally planned to incorporate the Braunwood
Satellite System, however after further evaluation, there is not a business case to support this
project. Instead, it is replaced in this WSP with a mechanical upgrades project for the Braunwood
Pump Station to maintain operation. The potential for incorporation of the Braunwood Satellite
System may be more viable in the future pending potential development in the southern portion
of the City’s RWSA.
D-16 - Game Farm Park Transmission: This project was originally planned to allow for the
decommissioning and removal of the Game Farm Park Pump Station, however after further
evaluation, there is not a business case to support this project. Instead, it is replaced in this WSP
with a mechanical upgrades project to maintain operation of the Game Farm Park Pump Station.
Elimination of the Game Farm Park Pump Station may be more viable in the future pending
potential development in the southern portion of the City’s RWSA.
S-12 - West Hill Springs Water Quality Improvements: The City had planned to replace the aging
West Hill Springs chlorination building and equipment with a new liquid chlorination system.
However, since this project is not required to meet regulatory requirements and after further
review of the City’s Financial Program, this project was eliminated to prioritize projects required to
resolve deficiencies. This project will be completed later, likely beyond the planning horizon for this
WSP.
S-14 - Algona Well 1 Redevelopment: This project was eliminated until the Algona Well 1 Study is
completed. A new capital project may be developed in the 10 to 20-year planning horizon pending
the outcome of the study.
8.2.2 Active Projects
The following projects are currently underway for completion by the City and are referred to as “Active
Projects” that have remaining costs to be spent in the near term:
CP2021 - Well 4 Facility Improvements: This project was split from the Well 4 Pump Improvements
project (S-22) identified in the 2015 WSP. This project includes upgrades to much of the mechanical
systems at the facility.
CP2043 - Well 4 Electrical Improvements: This project was split from the Well 4 Pump
Improvements project (S-22) identified in the 2015 WSP to accommodate beneficial electrical
improvements outside the original scope of the project. The well facility is over 40 years old and
much of the electrical equipment is original. Upgrades to the electrical system will improve the
overall efficiency of the facility.
Page 313 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-6
CP2219 - Reservoir 4 and 8 Seismic Rehabilitation: This project was split from Reservoir Seismic
Rehabilitation (R-06) identified in the 2015 WSP. The City plans to install seismic control valves on
outlet piping of the Lea Hill Reservoirs (4A & 4B) and Academy Reservoirs (8A & 8B). A seismic
control valve isolates the reservoir to prevent catastrophic flows from the reservoir during a seismic
pipe failure. This project will also address outstanding deficiencies identified in the 2022 Sanitary
Survey, including vent modifications, overflow connection modifications and overflow screen
repairs.
CP2134 - Comprehensive Water System Plan Update: This project was split from identified in the
2015 WSP (G-08), which originally included updates for both 2024 and 2034. This project will be
carried forward in the CIP with further WSP updates being required in 2034 and 2044.
CP1603 - Coal Creek Springs Transmission Main Replacement: This project was identified in the
2015 WSP as project (D-11) will be completed in 2024. The project will replace the existing 24-inch
diameter steel transmission main crossing the White River with a new transmission main
suspended from a utility and pedestrian bridge to cross the White River.
CP2204 - Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation (Phase 1): The Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation project
aims to investigate the cause of low yield and identify potential upgrades to improve water
production. The updates will be completed in Phase 2 of the project.
CP2413 - Reservoir 2 Valves: This project was split from Reservoir Seismic Rehabilitation (R-06)
identified in the 2015 WSP. This project will replace the existing 20-inch supply valve with a seismic
control valve and replace the 12-inch drain valve at Reservoir 2. Both valves will be installed in a
vault. This project was identified as a maintenance issue due to limited access to the valves. The
addition of a seismic control valve will improve the resiliency of the distribution system. This project
will address the outstanding deficiency identified in the 2022 Sanitary Survey by modifying the
overflow connection.
CP1914 - Cascade Water Alliance Water Purchase: This project was identified in the 2015 WSP as
project (S-04) and finances System Development Charges for the right to purchase water from
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) through the Second Supply Pipeline to meet future projected
demand, based on agreements with Cascade Water Alliance. Council approved the agreements for
permanent and reserve wholesale supply in September 2013, and a new agreement was executed
in 2014. Budget reflects purchase of permanent supply; payments will continue through 2029.
S-08 - Water Resources Protection Program (Wellhead Protection): This program provides annual
funding for implementing strategies identified in the Wellhead Protection Plan. Although some
tasks will be performed as part of the water operations budget, other tasks will require consultants
with expertise in review and investigation of contaminant sites and other environmental databases,
development of spill response plans, and leaking underground storage tanks. This program will
continue through the 20-year planning horizon.
R-03 - Reservoir Repair and Replacements: This is an annual program that provides budget for
general reservoir maintenance and minor repairs. This program will continue through the 20-year
planning horizon.
R-05 - Reservoir Painting: This is a program that operates on a 10-year cycle to complete reservoir
coatings. This program will continue through the 20-year planning horizon with the next
anticipated painting project planned in 2025.
Page 314 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-7
The following projects include distribution improvements identified in the 2015 WSP to be completed as
part of either the Annual Distribution System Improvements Program (D-02), Water Repair and
Replacement Program (D-09) or are in partnership with other City utilities and are funded by budget
available in the Street Utility Improvements annual program (D-06). All three programs have been updated
and will continue through the 20-year planning horizon. In total the following active projects will replace
approximately 9,000 linear feet of water main in the City’s system. The locations of all active distribution
system improvement projects are identified in Figure 3-12 in Chapter 3.
CP1619 - 104th Park Development (104th to 102nd Water Main Loop)
CP2301 - 104th Avenue SE PRV Replacement
CP2123 - C St SW Preservation
CP2125 - D St SE and 23rd Street SE Storm Improvements
CP2410 - 112th Pl SE Water Main Replacement
CP1622 - Auburn Way South - Hemlock St SE to Poplar St SE
CP2022 - Garden Avenue Realignment
CP2210 - M Street NE Widening
CP2116 - R Street SE Widening
CP2308 - R St SE and 21st St SE Roundabout
CP2315 - R St SE Preservation - 33rd St SE to 37th St SE
CP2319 - Lea Hill Road/104th Ave SE Roundabout
CP2404 - 12th St SE and Auburn Way South Water R&R
CP2412 - 2025 Local Street Preservation
2026 Local Street Preservation
The following active projects were not identified in the 2015 WSP:
CP2405 - Fulmer Treatment Facility VFD Replacements: The variable frequency drive (VFD) for
pumps 1 and 2 at Fulmer Corrosion Control Treatment Facility (CCTF) were installed in 2002. They
are at the end of their useful life and require replacement as repair parts are no longer available.
CP2329 - Coal Creek Springs Flowmeter Replacement: The project will replace existing source
meters on the Coal Creek Springs collectors to improve the accuracy and frequency of production
readings.
Algona Well 1 Study – Phase 1: The project will conduct a preliminary assessment of options to
utilize the existing water right.
Valley Service Area Reservoir No. 3 Siting Analysis: The project will conduct a siting analysis to
identify and evaluate possible locations for the new reservoir.
Braunwood Pump Station Assessment: The project will identify process mechanical upgrades
necessary to continued operation. The project will also evaluate roofing replacement material
options and costs.
Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation – Phase 1: The project will investigate the cause of reduced
production from Coal Creek Springs and recommend improvements to increase production
capacity.
Page 315 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-8
8.2.3 Capital Improvement Projects
The following projects identified in the 2015 WSP have not been completed since the WSP was prepared,
but have been revisited and are discussed in detail in the following sections for completion during this
planning period. The timing of most projects has been adjusted based on the City’s financial analysis and
project prioritization updates.
S-03 - Well 7 Back-Up Power: Delayed to 2032 since Well 7 has been offline due to high levels of
Manganese. The timing of this project will be aligned with the completion of the Well 7 Treatment
Phase 1 project (S-15) that will allow the Well to resume operation.
S-06 - Well 5/5A Upgrades: Delayed from 2022 to 2026.
S-07 - Well Inspection and Redevelopment Program: Delayed from 2015-2033 to 2026.
S-09 - Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation: Delayed from 2018 to 2027 based on awaiting results of
ongoing investigations to identify the cause and possible solutions to improve production from
Coal Creek Springs. The timing of this project may be adjusted pending results of the on-going
investigation.
S-11 - Wells 3A/3B Treatment: Delayed from 2035 to 2036.
S-13 - Algona Well 1 Study: Delayed from 2015 to 2039.
S-15 - Well 7 Treatment Phase 1: Delayed from 2022 to 2030 based on City financial analysis and
updated project prioritization.
S-16 - Well 7 Treatment Phase 2: Moved forward from 2035 to 2033.
S-18 - Howard Road CCTF Expansion: Delayed from 2025 to 2032. The timing of this project must
be aligned with the completion of the Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation project, as its purpose is to
provide increased treatment capacity to accommodate increased flows from Coal Creek Springs.
S-20 - Well 2 Replacement: Moved forward from 2035 to 2030.
S-21 - Coal Creek Springs Chlorination Building Replacement: Moved forward from 2035 to 2030.
R-04 - Valley Service Area Reservoir No. 3: Delayed from 2025 to 2041.
R-07 - Reservoir Capital Improvements: Delayed from 2025 to 2027 to avoid timing conflicts with
other current projects at Reservoirs 4A, 4B, and 8A.
R-07 - Braunwood Reservoir Improvements: Separated from “Reservoir Capital Improvements”
project and delayed from 2025 to 2039.
PS-04 - Intertie Booster Pump Station Improvements: Delayed from 2021 to 2024.
PS-09 - Game Farm Park Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades: Replaces original project ‘Game Farm
Park Pump Station/Distribution System Improvements. Delayed from 2025 to 2034.
PS-10 - Lea Hill Pump Station Replacement: Delayed from 2025 to 2027 to avoid conflicts with
concurrent work in area being completed as part of a separate project.
Page 316 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-9
G-08 - Comprehensive Water System Plan Update: This project was split into two separate
completion years for future updates (2034 and 2044).
Based on the information provided by the City, information included in the 2023 CFP, asset management
program input, and results of the system capacity analysis provided in Chapter 3, the following new projects
were identified that are included in the CIP and are discussed in further detail below:
Rehabilitate & Clean Wells 2 and 6 (3-year Cycle).
On-Site Chlorine Generation Systems (OSEC) at Wells 1 and 4.
Academy PRV Project.
Braunwood Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades.
Water Trench Patches Program.
West Hill Springs Transmission Main Replacement.
Lea Hill 648 Zoning Adjustment.
8.2.3.1 Water Supply
The City’s water supply strategy details both project sizing and timing. A summary of the 0 to 10-year and
10 to 20-year capital projects recommended for securing adequate supply to meet the system’s future
demands are presented in Table 8-3. Project IDs have been revised to reflect the updated prioritization and
planned timing of projects presented in this WSP. Previous project IDs from the 2015 WSP as presented
above will be discontinued for clarity purposes. Active projects identified above are not discussed in detail
as they are already well defined and in progress.
8.2.3.1.1 Cascade Water Alliance Water Purchase (S-01)
Financing to purchase water from Tacoma Public Utilities (Tacoma) to meet water demands is based on an
agreement with Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade), which had purchased water supply from Tacoma. The
Council approved the agreement for permanent wholesale supply in September 2013. The agreement
provides an additional 3.32 mgd of supply during the peak day and 1.5 mgd of average day supply. The
City’s permanent and reserve agreement requires System Development Charges (SDC) payments of
$21,073,743 between 2017 and 2029. A total of $934,810 of payments will continue from 2023 through
2029. The SDC costs will decrease if less than the full reserve amount is purchased. The project ID was
previously S-04 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.2 Water Resources Protection Program (Wellhead Protection) (S-02)
Annual funding for implementing strategies identified in the Wellhead Protection Plan. Although some
tasks will be performed as part of the water operations budget, other tasks will require consultants with
expertise in review and investigation of contaminant sites and other environmental databases,
development of spill response plans, and leaking underground storage tanks. The project ID was previously
S-08 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.3 Rehabilitate & Clean Wells 2 and 6 (3-year Cycle) (S-3)
Rehabilitation work completed in 2013-2014 indicated it would be beneficial to clean and rehabilitate both
wells on a regular basis to improve production capacity and pumping efficiencies. Cleaning was completed
in 2020 and again in late 2023/early 2024. This program was originally established as a 5-year cycle,
however based on more recent evidence, more frequent cleaning is required. Cleaning and rehabilitation
for Wells 2 and 6 will be performed over a 3-year cycle. This program was not identified in the 2015 WSP.
Page 317 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-10
8.2.3.1.4 Well Inspection and Redevelopment Program (S-04)
The City allocates annual funding for investigations and redevelopment of supply wells and springs
necessary to support production at maximum capacity for efficient utilization. This program is to be used
for production wells and spring collectors, and is not intended to finance the replacement of pumps,
motors, buildings, etc. The project ID was previously S-07 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.5 On-Site Chlorine Generation Systems (OSEC) at Wells 1 and 4 (S-05)
The existing liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) used at Wells 1 and 4 degrades during low winter demand
periods when the volume used is much lower and product turnover is decreased. This results in more
chemical consumption to achieve the same chlorine dose which is not cost effective. The hypochlorite
systems will be replaced with on-site chlorine generation systems sized to meet peak summer demands
while providing flexibility during winter months. This project was not identified in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.6 Fulmer CCTF Replace On-Site Chlorine Generation System (OSEC) (S-06)
The existing on-site chlorine generating equipment was installed in 2002. The generation cell was replaced
in 2012. Sourcing parts for equipment repairs has become increasingly difficult due to the equipment age.
An analysis performed in 2018 comparing chlorine alternatives indicated that on-site generation has the
lowest overall cost. This project will replace the entire generation system. The chlorination system will be
sized to accommodate future production from Well 7.
8.2.3.1.7 Well 5/5A Upgrades (S-07)
Well 5 needs significant improvements including a new building, a backup generator, chlorination, and a
hydrologic investigation to evaluate observed decreased production. Due to the small size of the existing
site, the acquisition of an adjacent parcel may be required. Additionally, the project will address the
recommended Capital Improvements identified in the 2014 Facility Evaluation Study (CIP Project G-01),
including a new pump at Well 5 and new pump and motor at Well 5A. Additional upgrades may be identified
in the hydrologic investigation; therefore, the cost of this CIP item should be revisited upon completion of
the study. This project will also include improvements to address outstanding deficiencies identified in the
2022 Sanitary Survey, including modifications to the pump waste line for Well 5 and addressing water
accumulation in the vault at Well 5A. The project ID was previously S-06 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.8 Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation – Phase 2 (S-08)
Complete rehabilitation of the Coal Creek Springs collectors to improve production capacity resulting in
greater utilization of the water right. Improvements are to be defined by the outcomes of the 2023/2024
hydrogeologic study currently being completed as Phase 1 (S-04). Additional upgrades may be identified in
the hydrologic investigation; therefore, the cost of this CIP item should be revisited upon completion of the
study.
8.2.3.1.9 Coal Creek Springs Chlorination Building Replacement (S-09)
Coal Creek Springs chlorination building was identified as requiring replacement in the 2013 Facility
Evaluation Study. Additionally, the project will upgrade the source treatment from chlorine gas to a liquid
sodium hypochlorite disinfection system. Sizing of the new equipment will be dependent upon capacity
improvements completed as part of the Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation Project. A new building will be
constructed to house the equipment. The project ID was previously S-21 in the 2015 WSP.
Page 318 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-11
8.2.3.1.10 Well 7 Treatment Phase 1 (S-10)
Well 7 is not operational due to high manganese levels. Manganese treatment is required to allow
operation of this facility to be restored and to utilize the full water right for this well. Due to space
limitations at the Well 7 site, the treatment facilities will be added at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility. The
treatment facility will be installed in two phases. The first phase will provide 2.5 mgd of capacity.
Additionally, phase 1 of the project will address the recommended improvements to the Fulmer Field CCT
Facility identified in the 2013 Facility Evaluation Study, including a new pump and motor. The project ID
was previously S-15 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.11 Well 2 Replacement (S-11)
The Fulmer Well Field Improvement project found that Well 2 can continue to serve the City but would
need to be replaced to resolve ongoing operational challenges. This project includes installation of a new
large diameter well. It is assumed that the well will remain on its existing site, or other City-owned property.
The project ID was previously S-20 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.12 Howard Road CCTF Expansion (S-12)
The inflow to the Howard Road CCTF will increase with the completion of the Well 1 Improvements project
in 2016 and planning production improvements for Coal Creek Springs Collector Improvements. The
existing facility will be expanded to its full capacity to provide additional treatment capacity and redundant
pump capacity to match increased flows. Additionally, the project will address the recommended
improvements to Howard Road CCTF identified in the 2013 Facility Evaluation Study, including a new pump
and motor. The expansion will include an additional aeration tower and a pump to match existing. The
project ID was previously S-18 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.13 Well 7 Back-up Power (S-13)
Well 7 is currently out of service, but the City has plans to bring the facility back online once manganese
treatment is provided as part of the Well 7 Treatment Phase 1 Project. Without back-up power to its pumps,
Well 7 is not considered a reliable source of supply for the Valley Service Area. The City has limited land
available at the Well 7 site, therefore, backup power will be installed at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility. The
project also includes installing underground electrical transmission capability between Well 7 and the
Fulmer Field CCT Facility. The project ID was previously S-03 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.14 Well 7 Treatment Phase 2 (S-14)
Well 7 Treatment Phase 2 will complete the manganese treatment facilities at the Fulmer Field CCT Facility
to allow year-round use of Well 7. Phase 2 will add 2.5 mgd of treatment for a total capacity of 5.0 mgd.
The project ID was previously S-16 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.1.15 Wells 3A/3B Treatment (S-15)
Wells 3A and 3B are not operated due to high manganese levels. Manganese treatment is required to allow
these wells to be used, which would add 4.03 mgd of instantaneous flow capacity to the City’s supply
capabilities. The project includes manganese treatment, a new well and treatment building, well pumps,
and onsite backup-power. Additionally, a new sodium hypochlorite system for chlorination will be installed.
The project ID was previously S-11 in the 2015 WSP.
Page 319 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-12
8.2.3.1.16 Algona Well 1 Study – Phase 2 (S-16)
Algona Well 1 has been abandoned and all related facilities removed. This project will study possible options
to utilize the existing water right. One option may be to redevelop the well on-site at its previous location.
Another alternative may be to pursue an alternative well location or how to use the water right at another
existing facility. The project does not include the development of design, permitting or construction of well
infrastructure. The project ID was previously S-13 in the 2015 WSP.
Page 320 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-13
Table 8-3 | Prioritized Water Supply Improvement Projects
Project Name Project
ID
Project
Timing
Added Qi
Capacity
(mgd)
Estimated Cost
2024 USD Brief Project Description
0 to 10-Year Planning Horizon
Cascade Water Alliance Water
Purchase
S-01 2024-2029 3.32 $5,608,860 The agreement provides an additional 3.32 mgd of supply during
the peak day and 1.5 mgd of average day supply.
Water Resources Protection
Program (Wellhead Protection)
S-02 2024-2044
(Annual)
$1,287,700 Annual funding for Wellhead Protection activities.
Rehabilitate & Clean Wells 2 and 6
(3-year Cycle)
S-03 2025-2044 $1,750,000 3-year cycle program to clean and rehab Wells 2 and 6.
Well Inspection and
Redevelopment Program
S-04 2026-2027 $420,000 Annual funding allocation for investigations and redevelopment
of wells and springs to maximize production capacity.
On-Site Chlorine Generation
Systems (OSEC) at Wells 1 and 4
S-05 2026-2027 $275,000 Replace liquid hypochlorite systems with on-site generation
systems.
Fulmer CCTF Replace On-Site
Chlorine Generation System (OSEC)
S-06 2026-2027 $500,000 Replace aged on-site chlorine generation equipment.
Well 5/5A Upgrades S-07 2026-2028 $2,715,000 New building, back-up generator, chlorination, and a hydrologic
investigation to evaluate the reasons for decreased production.
Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation –
Phase 2
S-08 2027-2030 4.32 $5,337,000 Rehabilitation of the Coal Creek Springs collectors to improve
production.
Coal Creek Springs Chlorination
Building Replacement
S-09 2030-2031 $2,081,000 Replace chlorination system and building at Coal Creek Springs
Facility with hypochlorite disinfection system.
Well 7 Treatment Phase 1 S-10 2030-2032 2.5 $10,097,000 Requires manganese treatment facilities
Well 2 Replacement S-11 2030-2031 3.46 $1,960,000 Replace Well 2 to resolve ongoing operational challenges.
Howard Road CCTF Expansion S-12 2032-2033 $1,450,000 Expand the facility to its full capacity (including an additional
aeration tower and pumps).
Well 7 Back-Up Power S-13 2032-2033 $2,075,000 Provide back-up power for this source.
Well 7 Treatment Phase 2 S-14 2033-2035 2.5 $8,054,000 Requires completion of manganese treatment facilities.
10 to 20-Year Planning Horizon
Wells 3A/3B Treatment S-15 2036-2038 4.03 $13,945,000 Provide manganese treatment for well operation
Algona Well 1 Study – Phase 2 S-16 2039 $250,000 Evaluate possible uses of water right.
Subtotal $57,805,560
Page 321 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-14
8.2.3.2 Storage
Table 8-4 provides a summary of the planned reservoir projects. Project IDs have been revised to reflect
the updated prioritization and planned timing of projects presented in this WSP. Previous project IDs from
the 2015 WSP as presented above will be discontinued for clarity purposes. Active projects identified above
are not discussed in detail as they are already well defined and in progress.
8.2.3.2.1 Reservoir Repair & Replacements (R-01)
The City has allocated an annual capital expenditure for general reservoir maintenance and minor
improvements. Projects are identified by the City on an as-needed basis. The project ID was previously R-
03 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.2.2 Reservoir Painting (10-year Cycle) (R-02)
The City plans to paint the welded steel reservoirs to extend their useful life. This program finances the
painting of two reservoirs every 10 years. The project ID was previously R-05 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.2.3 Academy PRV Project (R-03)
A new PRV facility will be located to rezone a portion of the Valley 242 pressure zone to the Academy 350
pressure zone to resolve fire flow deficiencies in the area. This PRV facility will also allow storage transfer
from the Academy Service Area where this is surplus storage to the Valley Service Area to resolve 2034
storage deficit projections, allowing for more system flexibility. The PRV facility location is assumed to be
in a cul-de-sac where U St SE meets 28th St SE but will be confirmed during design. The PRV vault is assumed
to house a 2-inch PRV for low flows (normal operation) and a 6-inch PRV for fire flows. This project was not
identified in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.2.4 Reservoir Capital Improvements (R-04)
The 2013 Facility Evaluation Study identified improvements to reservoir facilities based on the condition
and remaining useful life of the assets within the facilities. Improvements were identified at Reservoir 1,
Reservoir 4A & 4B, and Reservoir 8A & 8B. The project ID was previously R-07 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.2.5 Braunwood Reservoir Improvements (R-05)
The 2013 Facility Evaluation Study identified improvements to reservoir facilities based on the condition
and remaining useful life of the assets within the facilities. Improvements were identified at the Braunwood
Reservoir and were previously included in Reservoir Capital Improvements project (R-07) in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.2.6 Valley Service Area Reservoir No. 3 (R-06)
To meet future storage requirements in the Valley Service Area, it is recommended that a new, 2-MG
storage reservoir. A siting study should be conducted to identify the preferred reservoir location and other
details; it is assumed that the reservoir will be in the northeast portion of the Valley 242 pressure zone.
Property acquisition is expected to be required and an allowance of $1M is included in the project budget.
The project ID was previously R-04 in the 2015 WSP. It was assumed that the new reservoir will be a
prestressed concrete tank, however this should be confirmed during the siting study.
Page 322 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-15
Table 8-4 | Storage Improvements Projects
Project Name Project
ID
Project
Timing
Added
Storage
(MG)
Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
Brief Project Description
0 to 10-Year Planning Horizon
Reservoir Repair &
Replacements R-01 2024-2044
(Annual)$1,392,000 Annual program for reservoir
maintenance and minor improvements.
Reservoir Painting
(10-year Cycle)R-02 2025-2044 $3,500,000
Required for maintenance and
reservoir longevity in both Academy
and Lea Hill service areas.
Academy PRV
Project R-03 2027 $470,000 PRV for storage transfer and rezoning
to meet fire flow demands.
Reservoir Capital
Improvements R-04 2027 $470,000
Improvements to Reservoir 1, Reservoir
4A&4B, Reservoir 8A&8B based on the
condition and remaining useful life.
10 to 20-Year Planning Horizon
Braunwood
Reservoir
Improvements
R-05 2039-2040 $250,000 Improvements based on condition and
remaining useful life.
Valley Service Area
Reservoir No. 3 R-06 2041-2044 2.0 $11,745,000 Required to meet future storage
requirements in the Valley service area.
Subtotal $17,827,000
8.2.3.3 Pump Stations
Table 8-5 provides a summary of the planned pump station projects. Project IDs have been revised to reflect
the updated prioritization and planned timing of projects presented in this WSP. Previous project IDs from
the 2015 WSP as presented above will be discontinued for clarity purposes. Active projects identified above
are not discussed in detail as they are already well defined and in progress.
8.2.3.3.1 Intertie Pump Station/Lea Hill BPS Improvements (PS-01)
The Lea Hill BPS serves the closed 648 Pressure Zone and does not have sufficient capacity to meet fire flow
requirements under current or future demand projections. To meet fire flow requirements, an additional
2,500 gpm of firm capacity is required. The Lea Hill BPS and that Intertie Pump Station share a building. To
increase capacity of the Lea Hill PS, the project will provide additional piping and modify the existing Intertie
Pump Station/Lea Hill BPS building to utilize the existing Intertie Pump Station pumps to serve the Lea Hill
648 pressure zone. The project will also add pressure reducing valves and control valves at Lea Hill
reservoirs, and system valves to provide efficient operation of the 132nd Ave Tacoma Intertie. On-site back-
up power improvements for the Lea Hill BPS are also included to improve facility reliability.
In the 2015 WSP, this project also included distribution system improvements to rezone a portion of the
Lea Hill Service Area; this work has been shifted to a separate project titled the Lea Hill 648 Zoning
Adjustment project. This project ID was previously PS-04 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.3.2 Lea Hill Pump Station Replacement (PS-02)
The Lea Hill Pump Station will be reconstructed to provide redundant pumped supply to the Lea Hill area.
If the Green River Pump Station is out of service for maintenance, a redundant pump station would avoid
the need to purchase more expensive regional surface water through the 132nd Intertie. The pump station
Page 323 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-16
needs to be relocated from its current location on the shoulder of Lea Hill Road at the base of a steep hill
for safety and reliability considerations. Two separate active projects (Garden Avenue Realignment and Lea
Hill Roundabout) will construct approximately 900 feet and 835 feet of 12-inch diameter transmission main
respectively, that is required for the future pump station. The project ID was previously PS-10 in the 2015
WSP.
8.2.3.3.3 Braunwood Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades (PS-03)
The Braunwood Pump Station is an aging facility that serves the Braunwood Satellite System. The project
will include minor mechanical or electrical improvements to rehabilitate the facility for continued use. This
project ID was previously PS-09 in the 2015 WSP. This project was not identified in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.3.4 Game Farm Park Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades Project (PS-04)
The Game Farm Wilderness Park Pump Station is an aging facility that serves the Game Farm Wilderness
and recreational area. The 2013 Facility Evaluation Study identified improvements to allow continued use
of the station including pump replacement and building repairs. Additional minor mechanical or electrical
improvements may be warranted to rehabilitate the facility for continued use. This project ID was
previously PS-09 in the 2015 WSP.
Table 8-5 | Pump Station Improvement Projects
Project Name Project
ID
Project
Timing
Added
Firm/Reliable
Capacity (gpm)
Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
Brief Project Description
0 to 10-Year Planning Horizon
Intertie Pump
Station/Lea Hill BPS
Improvements
PS-01 2024-2026 2,500 gpm $2,325,000
Expand the fire flow capacity of
the Lea Hill BPS by connecting
to the Intertie PS pumps.
Lea Hill Pump Station
Replacement PS-02 2027-2029 $6,365,000
Decommission and replace the
pump station at the end of its
usable life.
10 to 20-Year Planning Horizon
Braunwood Pump
Station Mechanical
Upgrades
PS-03 2034-2035 $250,000 Rehabilitate Pump Station to
allow continued use.
Game Farm Park
Pump Station
Mechanical Upgrades
PS-04 2034-2035 $250,000 Rehabilitate Pump Station to
allow continued use.
Subtotal $9,190,000
8.2.3.4 Distribution System
The City’s water distribution system will require many improvements to address fire flow deficiencies
identified by the system analysis presented in Chapter 3. Additionally, the City has undersized, and aging
piping within the water system that needs to be replaced to reduce the risk of breaks and leaks. The
identified distribution system improvements programs are described below and summarized in Table 8-7.
Project IDs have been revised to reflect the updated prioritization and planned timing of projects presented
in this WSP. Previous project IDs from the 2015 WSP as presented above will be discontinued for clarity
purposes. Active projects identified above are not discussed in detail as they are already well defined and
in progress.
Page 324 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-17
8.2.3.4.1 Annual Distribution System Improvements Program (D-01)
The Annual Distribution System Improvements Program is focused on capacity related improvements to
the City’s water distribution system as identified in Figure 3-12 and Table 3-33 of Chapter 3. These
improvements address deficiencies during fire flow demand scenarios. A comprehensive list of the projects
and their individual estimated costs are provided in Appendix W. The total of all project costs is distributed
across the 20-year planning horizon and will be prioritized to address the areas with the greatest deficiency
first. This project ID was previously D-02 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.4.2 Street Utility Improvements (D-02)
The City Street Utility program provides an annual budget to perform water main improvements in
coordination with the Street Preservation programs and general arterial street improvements. By replacing
water infrastructure concurrent with other utility or street improvement projects, the City can reduce
overall project costs. Identified projects are anticipated to occur annually throughout the planning period.
This project ID was previously D-06 in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.4.3 Water Repair & Replacements (D-03)
Previous WSPs identified pipelines for the City’s Water Repair & Replacement program focus on
replacement of old cast iron pipes, pipes under 6-inches that serve fire hydrants, dead-end mains in non-
residential areas, and decommissioned duplicate pipes. The budget for this project has been re-evaluated
and is revised to focus on the replacement of undersized cast iron pipe. The budget was developed focusing
specifically on 4-inch diameter cast iron pipe, however the City may also allocate this budget to replace
other undersized cast iron pipe within the system. Table 8-6 summarizes the basis of the program budget
using the same unit cost assumptions and allowances established in Section 8.1.3. The City’s pipeline water
repair and replacement program will be accomplished through the combination of the Street Utility
Improvements (D-02) and this program. Ideally, Water Repair and Replacement and Street Utility projects
will be constructed on alternating years to maintain consistent levels of capital expenditures. This project
ID was previously D-09 in the 2015 WSP.
Table 8-6 | Water Repair & Replacements Cost Estimate
Length
(LF)
Existing Size
(inch)
New Size
(inch)
Unit
Cost
Component
Cost
Construction
Cost Project Cost
11,740 4 8 $490/LF $5,752,500 $8,241,000 $11,950,000
8.2.3.4.4 Water Trench Patches Program (D-04)
This program provides annual funding for roadway restoration of trench patches from water main leak
repairs and water service installation that are beyond the scope of work done by City maintenance staff.
This project was not identified in the 2015 WSP.
8.2.3.4.5 West Hill Springs Transmission Main Replacement (D-05)
The 2020 pipeline assessment indicated the existing cast iron transmission main is in poor condition. The
main has experienced two breaks in the past. The project will replace approximately 1,250 LF of 10-inch
diameter cast iron pipe with 12-inch diameter ductile iron pipe. The project includes preliminary
geotechnical investigations prior to design and construction. This project was not identified in the 2015
WSP.
Page 325 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-18
8.2.3.4.6 Lea Hill 648 Zoning Adjustment (D-06)
The system capacity analysis identified deficiencies in the upper portion of the Lea Hill 563 pressure zone
where the highest service elevations of the zone are located. This project includes system piping and valving
modifications to rezone a portion of the Lea Hill 563 pressure zone to the Lea Hill 648 pressure zone. GIS
and site verification, as well as minimal system modeling are required to verify necessary modifications.
Table 8-7 | Distribution System Improvements Projects
Project Name Project
ID
Project
Timing
Estimated Cost
2024 USD Brief Project Description
0 to 20-Year Planning Horizon
Annual Distribution System
Improvements Program D-01 2025-2044
(Annual)$59,699,000 Pipe improvement projects required
to address system capacity deficits.
Street Utility Improvements D-02 2025-2044
(Annual)$24,618,000
Water main improvements
concurrent with street
improvements.
Water Repair & Replacements D-03 2025-2044
(Annual)$11,950,000 Pipe improvements to replace aging
and undersized pipes.
Water Trench Patches Program D-04 2024-2044
(Annual)$3,360,000 Annual program for restoration
following water and service leaks.
West Hill Springs Transmission
Main Replacement D-05 2024,
2026-2027 $1,401,000 Transmission piping replacement.
Lea Hill 648 Zoning Adjustment D-06 2027 $104,000 Pressure zone modifications to
address fire flow capacity deficit.
Subtotal $101,132,000
8.2.3.5 General Utility Projects
The general water system projects and their estimated costs are provided in Table 8-8. Project IDs have
been revised to reflect the updated prioritization and planned timing of projects presented in this WSP.
Previous project IDs from the 2015 WSP as presented above will be discontinued for clarity purposes.
8.2.3.5.1 Water System Plan Updates (G-01, G-02)
DOH requires Water System Plans to be updated every ten years. The City has allocated budget to complete
Water System Plan Updates in 2034 and 2044. The project ID for both updates was previously G-08 in the
2015 WSP.
Table 8-8 | General Water System Projects
Project Name Project
ID
Project
Timing
Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
Brief Project Description
0 to 10-Year Planning Horizon
Water System Plan Update - 2034 G-01 2033-2034 $750,000 Mandated by Washington
Department of Health.
10 to 20-Year Planning Horizon
Water System Plan Update - 2044 G-02 2043-2044 $750,000 Mandated by Washington
Department of Health.
Subtotal $1,500,000
Page 326 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-19
8.3 CIP Summary and Schedule
Table 8-9 summarizes the total CIP cost by project categories for the 20-year planning horizon. All costs
shown are in 2024 dollars. Distribution system improvements comprise more than 50 percent of the
allocated costs for the CIP.
Table 8-9 | Total CIP Cost by Project Category from 2024 through 2044
Category Total CIP Cost Summary 2024 – 2044
(2024 USD)
Supply $60,416,013
Storage $21,579,621
Pump Stations $9,230,000
Distribution $121,858,681
General $1,750,000
TOTAL $214,834,315
The results of prioritizing the improvements were used to establish an implementation schedule that can
be used by the City for preparing its 20-year CIP and 6-year CFP. The implementation schedule for the active
projects and planned CIP projects is summarized in Table 8-10. More details are included in Appendix W.
The City uses this information to develop rates and SDC charges.
The City will schedule the water main projects in the Annual Distribution Improvements Program and Water
Repair and Replacements during the annual budget process. This provides the City with the flexibility to
coordinate these projects with roadway or other projects within the same area.
Page 327 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-20
Table 8-10 | Capital Improvements Program Costs and Phasing
10-Year 20-Year
CIP ID Name CAP/Non-
CAP
Total Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
2024
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035-38 2039-42 2043-44
Active Projects
CP1619
104th Park
Development (104th
to 102nd Water Main
Loop)
Non-CAP $350,000 $350,000
CP2301 104th Avenue SE PRV
Replacement Non-CAP $390,475 $390,475
CP2123 C St SW Preservation Non-CAP $1,802,075 $901,038 $901,038
CP1603
Coal Creek Springs
Transmission Main
Replacement
Non-CAP $4,450,422 $4,450,422
CP2125
D St SE and 23rd Street
SE Storm
Improvements
Non-CAP $2,285,677 $2,285,677
CP2021 Well 4 Facility
Improvements Non-CAP $884,822 $884,822
CP2403 Well 4 Electrical
Improvements Non-CAP $1,050,000 $200,000 $850,000
CP2410 112th Pl SE Water
Main Replacement Non-CAP $2,100,000 $255,000 $1,845,000
CP1622
Auburn Way South -
Hemlock St SE to
Poplar St SE
Non-CAP $2,398,000 $2,398,000
CP2022 Garden Avenue
Realignment Non-CAP $699,797 $699,797
CP2210 M Street NE Widening Non-CAP $357,000 $37,000 $320,000
CP2116 R Street SE Widening Non-CAP $1,762,488 $100,000 $1,662,488
CP2308 R St SE and 21st St SE
Roundabout Non-CAP $544,897 $61,897 $483,000
CP2315
R St SE Preservation -
33rd St SE to 37th St
SE
Non-CAP $301,850 $301,850
CP2319 Lea Hill Road/104th
Ave SE Roundabout Non-CAP $850,000 $100,000 $150,000 $600,000
CP2405
Fulmer Treatment
Facility VFD
Replacements
Non-CAP $175,000 $175,000
CP2219 Reservoirs 4 and 8
Seismic Rehabilitation Non-CAP $1,433,871 $1,433,871
CP2404 12th St SE and Auburn
Way South Water R&R Non-CAP $636,000 $318,000 $318,000
CP2412 2025 Local Street
Preservation Non-CAP $725,000 $65,000 $660,000
2026 Local Street
Preservation Non-CAP $1,073,000 $50,000 $150,000 $873,000
CP2329
Coal Creek Springs
Flowmeter
Replacement
Non-CAP $375,017 $375,017
Page 328 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-21
CIP ID Name CAP/Non-
CAP
Total Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
2024
10-Year 20-Year
CP2134
Comprehensive Water
System Plan Update -
2024
Non-CAP $250,000 $250,000
CP2209
Coal Creek Springs
Rehabilitation - Phase
1
Non-CAP $75,614 $75,614
CP2413 Reservoir 2 Valves Non-CAP $2,268,750 $68,750 $2,200,000
Algona Well 1 Study –
Phase 1 Non-CAP $50,000 $50,000
Valley Service Area
Reservoir No. 3 Siting
Analysis
Non-CAP $50,000 $50,000
Braunwood Pump
Station Assessment Non-CAP $40,000 $40,000
Supply
S-01
Cascade Water
Alliance Water
Purchase
CAP $5,608,860 $934,810 $934,810 $934,810 $934,810 $934,810 $934,810
S-02
Water Resources
Protection Program
(Wellhead Protection)
Non-CAP $1,287,700 $87,700 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $240,000 $240,000 $120,000
S-03
Rehabilitate & Clean
Wells 2 and 6 (3-year
Cycle)
Non-CAP $1,750,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000
S-04
Well Inspection and
Redevelopment
Program
Non-CAP $420,000 $210,000 $210,000
S-05
On-Site Chlorine
Generation Systems
(OSEC) at Wells 1 and
4
Non-CAP $275,000 $100,000 $175,000
S-06
Fulmer CCTF Replace
On-Site Chlorine
Generation System
(OSEC)
Non-CAP $500,000 $150,000 $350,000
S-07 Well 5/5A Upgrades CAP $2,715,000 $950,000 $265,000 $1,500,000
S-08
Coal Creek Springs
Rehabilitation – Phase
2
CAP $5,337,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,837,000
S-09
Coal Creek Springs
Chlorination Building
Replacement
Non-CAP $2,081,000 $520,250 $1,560,750
S-10 Well 7 Treatment
Phase 1 CAP $10,097,000 $1,500,000 $2,597,000 $6,000,000
S-11 Well 2 Replacement CAP $1,960,000 $400,000 $1,560,000
S-12 Howard Road CCTF
Expansion CAP $1,450,000 $450,000 $1,000,000
S-13 Well 7 Back-Up Power Non-CAP $2,075,000 $414,961 $1,660,039
S-14 Well 7 Treatment
Phase 2 CAP $8,054,000 $1,654,000 $3,800,000 $2,600,000
S-15 Wells 3A/3B
Treatment CAP $13,945,000 $13,945,000
Page 329 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan Update • City of Auburn
Capital Improvements Program Page 8-22
CIP ID Name CAP/Non-
CAP
Total Estimated
Cost
2024 USD
2024
10-Year 20-Year
S-16 Algona Well 1 Study –
Phase 2 Non-CAP $250,000 $250,000
Storage
R-01 Reservoir Repair &
Replacements Non-CAP $1,392,000 $192,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $240,000 $240,000 $120,000
R-02 Reservoir Painting (10-
year Cycle)Non-CAP $3,500,000 $250,000 $1,500,000 $1,750,000
R-03 Academy PRV Project CAP $470,000 $470,000
R-04 Reservoir Capital
Improvements Non-CAP $470,000 $470,000
R-05 Braunwood Reservoir
Improvements Non-CAP $250,000 $250,000
R-06 Valley Service Area
Reservoir No. 3 CAP $11,745,000 $1,500,000 $10,245,000
Pump Station
PS-01
Intertie Pump
Station/Lea Hill BPS
Improvements
Non-CAP $2,325,000 $75,000 $250,000 $2,000,000
PS-02 Lea Hill Pump Station
Replacement Non-CAP $6,365,000 $765,000 $3,000,000 $2,600,000
PS-03
Braunwood Pump
Station Mechanical
Upgrades
Non-CAP $250,000 $70,000 $180,000
PS-04
Game Farm Park Pump
Station Mechanical
Upgrades
Non-CAP $250,000 $70,000 $180,000
Distribution
D-01
Annual Distribution
System Improvements
Program
CAP $59,699,000 $400,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $3,572,636 $14,290,546 $14,290,546 $7,145,273
D-02 Street Utility
Improvements Non-CAP $24,618,000 $601,000 $617,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $5,200,000 $5,200,000 $2,600,000
D-03 Water Repair &
Replacements Non-CAP $11,950,000 $150,000 $450,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $650,000 $2,600,000 $2,600,000 $1,300,000
D-04 Water Trench Patches
Program Non-CAP $3,360,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $160,000 $640,000 $640,000 $320,000
D-05
West Hill Springs
Transmission Main
Replacement
Non-CAP $1,401,000 $50,000 $200,000 $1,151,000
D-06 Lea Hill 648 Zoning
Adjustment CAP $104,000 $104,000
General
G-01
Comprehensive Water
System Plan Update -
2034
Non-CAP $750,000 $375,000 $375,000
G-01
Comprehensive Water
System Plan Update -
2044
Non-CAP $750,000 $750,000
Total Project Cost (March 2024 USD)$214,834,315 $15,368,740 $13,020,848 $12,897,298 $10,674,810 $11,364,810 $10,214,810 $8,937,250 $10,647,750 $11,544,961 $9,369,039 $10,367,636 $9,012,636 $10,091,636 $11,030,636
Cost in Future USD with Inflation/Escalation $15,505,949 $13,438,366 $15,356,813 $13,346,021 $14,919,117 $14,079,931 $12,934,911 $16,181,050 $18,421,739 $15,697,211 $18,238,810 $16,647,840 $19,572,979 $22,463,903
Page 330 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-1
CHAPTER 9
Financial Program
9.1 Introduction
This chapter was prepared by FCS GROUP to provide a financial program that allows the City of Auburn
(City) water utility to remain financially viable during the planning period. This financial viability analysis
considers the historical financial condition, current and identified future financial and policy obligations,
operation and maintenance (O&M) needs, and the financial impacts of the capital projects identified in this
Water System Plan (WSP). Furthermore, this chapter provides a review of the water utility’s current rate
structure with respect to rate adequacy and customer affordability.
9.2 Past Financial Performance
This section includes a historical summary of financial performance as reported by the City, including fund
resources and uses arising from cash transactions.
9.2.1 Comparative Financial Statements
The City legally owns and operates a water utility. Table 9-1 shows a summary of water fund resources and
uses arising from cash transactions for the previous 6 years (2017 through 2022). 2023 financial statements
were not available at the time the chapter was developed. Table 9-2 shows a summary of assets and
liabilities, with the difference between the two reported as “net position.” Increases and decreases in net
position are useful indicators of the financial position of the City’s utility. Noteworthy findings and trends
for the historical performance and condition of the City’s water utility are then discussed.
Page 331 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-2
Table 9-1 | Summary of Historical Fund Resources and Uses Arising From Cash Transactions
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
OPERATING REVENUES
Charges for Service 14,781,310$ 15,293,485$ 15,057,517$ 14,846,679$ 15,879,799$ 16,459,868$
Other Operating Revenue -600 835 835 --
Total Operating Revenues 14,781,310$ 15,294,085$ 15,058,352$ 14,847,514$ 15,879,799$ 16,459,868$
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operations and M aintenance 3,753,573$ 3,692,419$ 3,789,093$ 3,727,553$ 3,912,937$ 3,840,391$
Adm inistration 4,672,569 4,702,259 4,727,971 4,615,503 5,221,782 6,028,393
Depreciation and Am ortization 3,269,581 3,407,933 3,848,016 3,774,956 3,826,387 3,533,926
Other Operating Expenses 8,964 -----
Total Operating Expenses 11,704,687$ 11,802,611$ 12,365,080$ 12,118,012$ 12,961,106$ 13,402,710$
Operating Incom e (Loss)3,076,623$ 3,491,474$ 2,693,272$ 2,729,502$ 2,918,693$ 3,057,158$
NONOPERATING REVENUES (EXPENSES)
Interest Revenue 104,564$ 178,271$ 261,654$ 49,808$ 22,790$ 278,430$
Other Non-Operating Revenue 269,264 324,228 589,809 148,433 26,542 86,333
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Capital Assets ------
Interest Expense (703,321)(697,363)(658,808)(910,452)(663,857)(601,400)
Other Non-Operating Expense ---(225,230)-(90,443)
Total Non-Operating Revenues (Expenses)(329,493)$ (194,864)$ 192,655$ (937,441)$ (614,525)$ (327,080)$
Incom e (Loss) Before Contributions and Transfers 2,747,130$ 3,296,610$ 2,885,927$ 1,792,061$ 2,304,168$ 2,730,078$
Capital Contributions 1,176,756$ 1,271,234$ 3,246,853$ 2,170,407$ 5,382,110$ 1,772,439$
Transfers In 2,500,000 2,686,332 39,258 6,536,029 --
Transfers Out (2,693,946)(2,800,400)(147,002)(6,643,340)(119,472)(96,339)
Change in Net Position 3,729,940$ 4,453,776$ 6,025,036$ 3,855,157$ 7,566,806$ 4,406,178$
Net Position, Januar y 1 75,751,705 79,481,645 83,935,421 89,960,457 93,815,614 101,382,420
Net Position, December 31 79,481,645$ 83,935,421$ 89,960,457$ 93,815,614$ 101,382,420$ 105,788,598$
O&M Coverage Ratio 126.3%129.6%121.8%122.5%122.5%122.8%
Net Operating Incom e as a % of Operating Revenue 20.8%22.8%17.9%18.4%18.4%18.6%
Debt Service Coverage Ratio 3.83 4.16 3.93 3.63 3.17 2.85
Page 332 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-3
9.2.1.1 Findings and Trends
The City’s water charges for services increased from $14.8M in 2017 to $16.5M in 2022. The
average annual increase was approximately 2.2 percent per year, with a total increase of 11.4
percent from 2017 to 2022. Charges for services increase each year, except for 2019 and 2020
where revenues fell by 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent respectively. Operating Expenditures increased
by $1.7M across the six years with an average annual increase of 2.8 percent. Similar to
observations made in revenues, expenditures dropped in 2020 but to a greater extent, decreasing
by 2.0 percent. Despite total operating expenses slightly outpacing growth in operating revenues,
operating income has been positive in all years observed. 2019 and 2020 had slightly less operating
income than other years, observed at $2.7M, with the remainder of the years averaging $3.1M.
The O&M coverage ratio (total operating revenues divided by total operating expenses) was 126.3
percent in 2017. With expenses slightly outpacing revenues this metric decreased and ended 2022
at 122.8 percent. A ratio of 100.0 percent or greater shows that operating revenue will successfully
cover operating expenses, and the utility has remained above this ratio for all years observed.
Net operating income as a percentage of operating revenue was 20.8 percent in 2017, decreasing
to a low of 17.9 percent in 2019, before ending 2022 at 18.6 percent. Similar to the O&M coverage
ratio, these trends show how successfully operating revenue actually covered operating expenses,
with higher positive numbers being the best and negative numbers showing a need for
improvement. In addition, these trends demonstrate the ability of the utility to invest in capital,
whether through direct cash transfers or the issuance and servicing of debt.
The debt service coverage ratio measures the amount of cash flow available to meet principal and
interest payments. Typically, revenue bond debt service coverage requires a minimum factor of
1.25 during the life of the loans. This ratio is calculated by dividing cash or net operating income
(operating revenues less operating expenses) by annual revenue bond debt service. The debt
service coverage ratio for all outstanding revenue bond debt ended 2017 at 3.83, decreasing to
2.85 by 2022, as the City took on more debt liabilities. The fact that this ratio has sustained levels
higher than the minimum target of 1.25 indicates a stable capacity for new debt and will likely
result in favorable terms when entering the bond market.
Page 333 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-4
Table 9-2 | Summary of Historical Comparative Statements of Net Position
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents 5,765,412$ 7,294,288$ 9,568,609$ 11,417,193$ 14,719,905$ 13,826,776$
Investm ents ------
Restricted Cash:
Bond Paym ents 1,690,316 1,687,994 1,672,123 2,334,270 2,246,000 2,183,144
Custom er Deposits 43,892 31,541 40,062 64,792 91,672 104,070
Other (Reserve for Bonds and Rate Stabilization)1,630,313 1,630,314 1,627,520 11,586,722 5,987,879 2,448,053
Custom er Accounts 1,363,945 1,837,533 1,912,797 2,090,429 2,007,050 2,203,858
Other Receivables ------
Due From Other Governm ental Units 17,968 14,338 --10,000 -
Inventories 135,450 183,252 189,071 233,015 242,192 313,273
Total Current Assets 10,647,296$ 12,679,260$ 15,010,182$ 27,726,421$ 25,304,698$ 21,079,174$
NONCURRENT ASSETS
Net Pension Asset -$ -$ -$ -$ 2,266,854$ 920,143$
Capital Assets Not Being Depreciated:
Land 897,971 897,971 897,971 1,283,524 1,283,524 1,283,524
Intangible - Water Rights 5,449,186 5,701,772 5,954,358 6,889,163 7,823,968 8,758,773
Construction In Progress 8,374,328 620,533 3,488,784 4,443,772 6,918,228 6,283,865
Capital Assets:
Buildings and Equipm ent 2,509,599 2,509,599 2,509,599 2,509,599 2,509,599 2,509,599
Im provem ents Other Than Buildings 131,463,582 142,480,531 145,175,810 151,038,789 159,207,726 167,888,532
Less Accum ulated Depreciation (54,538,817)(57,946,751)(61,794,767)(65,569,723)(69,396,109)(72,930,035)
Total Noncurrent Assets Net of Accum ulated Depreciation 94,155,849$ 94,263,655$ 96,231,755$ 100,595,124$ 110,613,790$ 114,714,401$
TOTAL ASSETS 104,803,145$ 106,942,915$ 111,241,937$ 128,321,545$ 135,918,488$ 135,793,575$
DEFFERED OUTFLOWS OF RESOURCES
Deferred Outflow from Bond Refunding -$ -$ -$ 78,146$ 78,146$ 78,146$
Deferred Outflow related to Pensions 312,206 274,590 296,941 334,033 309,166 866,866
Total Deferred Outflows of Resources 312,206 274,590 296,941 412,179 387,312 945,012$
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current Payables 1,354,856$ 831,153$ 971,724$ 1,015,566$ 1,627,369$ 700,718$
Claim s Payable ------
Loans Payable - Current 634,328 652,107 467,646 478,000 250,914 224,800
Em ployee Leave Benefits - Current 125,285 122,115 128,188 122,116 172,872 172,114
Leases Payable - Current ------
Revenue Bonds Payable - Current 871,737 902,092 935,347 1,215,345 1,268,753 1,327,964
Payable From Restricted Assets:
Accrued Interest 828,486 794,779 754,158 1,126,592 1,065,376 998,923
Deposits 43,892 31,541 40,062 64,792 91,672 104,070
Other Liabilities Payable 600 -----
Total Current Liabilities 3,859,184$ 3,333,787$ 3,297,125$ 4,022,411$ 4,476,956$ 3,528,589$
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Em ployee Leave Benefits 37,836$ 44,177$ 34,069$ 44,176$ 74,823$ 66,026$
Loans Payable 3,689,390 3,123,514 2,697,219 2,359,332 2,108,418 1,883,620
Leases Payable ------
Revenue Bonds Payable 14,899,559 13,952,693 12,972,571 26,189,156 24,596,375 22,944,382
Net Pension Liability 2,775,633 2,245,967 1,937,559 1,917,936 1,216,710 1,478,887
Total Non Current Liabilities 21,402,418$ 19,366,351$ 17,641,418$ 30,510,600$ 27,996,326$ 26,372,915$
TOTAL LIABILITIES 25,261,602$ 22,700,138$ 20,938,543$ 34,533,011$ 32,473,282$ 29,901,504$
DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES
Deferred Inflow Related to Leases -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Deferred Inflow Related to Pensions 372,104 581,946 639,878 385,099 2,450,098 1,048,485
Total Deferred Inflows of Resources 372,104$ 581,946$ 639,878$ 385,099$ 2,450,098$ 1,048,485$
NET POSITION
Net Investm ent in Capital Assets 75,751,151$ 77,321,243$ 80,831,095$ 72,687,561$ 86,632,404$ 87,779,897$
Restricted For:
Debt Service 801,827 835,535 873,362 10,460,130 658,575 3,265,869
Rate Stabilization ------
Pension Asset -----920,143
Unrestricted 2,928,667 5,778,643 8,256,000 10,667,923 14,091,441 13,822,689
TOTAL NET POSITION 79,481,645$ 83,935,421$ 89,960,457$ 93,815,614$ 101,382,420$ 105,788,598$
Current Ratio 2.8 3.8 4.6 6.9 5.7 6.0
Debt to Net Position Ratio 0.26 0.23 0.20 0.33 0.29 0.26
Debt to Noncurrent Capital Assets Ratio 0.22 0.21 0.19 0.31 0.26 0.24
Page 334 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-5
9.2.1.2 Findings and Trends
The current ratio is calculated by dividing unrestricted current assets by current liabilities and
measures an entity’s ability to pay short-term obligations. This ratio ranges from a low of 2.8 in
2017 to a high of 6.9 in 2020, ending at 6.0 in 2022. Anything above 2.0 for this liquidity ratio is
good.
The Debt to Net Position Ratio compares total debt to total net position, which is the difference
between total assets and liabilities. This ratio ranged from a high of 0.33 or 33 percent in 2020 to
a low of 0.20 or 20 percent in 2019. For utilities, a ratio of 40 to 60 percent helps to moderate rate
impacts by spreading costs over a longer period of time. Based on these results, the City may
consider utilizing debt service for future capital investments, especially if it benefits system
expansion.
The Debt to Noncurrent Capital Asset Ratio compares total debt to noncurrent capital assets, which
are also known as property, plant and equipment. This ratio begins at 0.22 or 22 percent debt to
78 percent noncurrent assets in 2017. Noncurrent capital assets increase by $20.6 million
throughout the six-year history while debt increased by $6.2 million, and the ratio increases to 24
percent by 2022. Similar to the debt to net position ratio, these results indicate the utility has ample
borrowing capacity and may consider utilizing debt service for future capital investments,
especially if it benefits system expansion. A ratio of 40 percent debt to 60 percent equity or below
is a general industry target.
9.3 Financial Plan
The water utility is responsible for generating sufficient revenue to meet all of its costs. The primary source
of funding is derived from ongoing monthly service charges, with additional revenue coming from late
penalties and interest earnings. The City controls the level of user charges and, with City Council approval,
can adjust user charges as needed to meet financial objectives.
The financial plan can only confirm financial feasibility if it considers the total system costs of providing
water services, both operating and capital. To meet these objectives, the following elements have been
completed.
1.Capital Funding Plan. Identifies the total capital improvement plan (CIP) obligations of the planning
period. The plan defines a strategy for funding the CIP, including an analysis of available resources
from rate revenues, existing reserves, connection charge revenues, debt financing, and any special
resources that may be readily available (e.g., grants, developer contributions, etc.). The capital
funding plan impacts the financial plan through the use of debt financing (resulting in annual debt
service) and the assumed rate revenue made available for capital funding.
2.Financial Forecast. Identifies future annual non-capital costs associated with the operation,
maintenance, and administration of the water system. Included in the financial plan is a reserve
analysis that forecasts cash flow and fund balance activity, along with testing for satisfaction of
actual or recommended minimum fund balance policies. The financial plan ultimately evaluates the
sufficiency of utility revenues in meeting all obligations, including cash uses such as operating
expenses, debt service, capital outlays, and reserve contributions, as well as any coverage
requirements associated with long-term debt. The plan also identifies the future adjustments
required to fully fund all utility obligations in the planning period.
Page 335 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-6
9.3.1 Capital Funding Plan
To properly evaluate future capital funding needs, capital costs were escalated by 3.00 percent annually to
the year of planned spending. The CIP developed for this WSP identifies $129.4M in escalated project costs
over the 10-year planning horizon from 2024-2033. The 20-year period, through 2043, includes $262.6M
in total escalated project costs.
A summary of the 10-year and 20-year CIPs are shown in Table 9-3. As shown, each year has varied capital
cost obligations depending on construction schedules and infrastructure planning needs.
Table 9-3 | 10-Year and 20-Year CIPs
Table 9-4 provides more detail for the 10-year CIP.
2024 15,368,740$ 15,368,740$
2025 13,020,848 13,411,473
2026 12,897,298 13,682,743
2027 10,674,810 11,664,653
2028 11,364,810 12,791,194
2029 10,214,810 11,841,764
2030 8,937,250 10,671,544
2031 10,647,750 13,095,389
2032 11,544,961 14,624,811
2033 9,369,039 12,224,471
10-Year Total 114,040,315$ 129,376,782$
2034 - 2043 87,371,364 133,200,307
20-Year Total 201,411,679$ 262,577,089$
Y ear Unescalated $Escalated $
Page 336 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-7
Table 9-4 | 10-Year CIP (Escalated $)
9.4 Available Funding Assistance and Financing Resources
9.4.1 City Resources
Resources appropriate for funding capital needs include accumulated cash in the capital fund, rate
revenues designated for capital spending purposes, developer contributions, and capital-related charges
such as system development charges. The first two resources will be discussed in the Fiscal Policies section
of the Financial Forecast. Capital-related charges are discussed below.
Project 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Active Projects (In Design or Construction)
104th Park Developm ent (104th to 102nd Water M ain Loop)350,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
104th Avenue SE PRV Replacem ent 390,475
C St SW Preservation 901,038 928,069
Coal Creek Springs Transm ission M ain Replacem ent 4,450,422
D St SE and 23rd Street SE Storm Improvem ents 2,285,677
Well 4 Facility Improvem ents 884,822
Well 4 Electrical Improvem ents 200,000 875,500
112th Pl SE Water Main Replacem ent 255,000 1,900,350
Auburn Way South - Hemlock St SE to Poplar St SE 2,469,940
Garden Avenue Realignment 699,797
M Street NE Widening 37,000 339,488
R Street SE Widening 103,000 1,763,734
R St SE and 21st St SE Roundabout 61,897 497,490
R St SE Preservation - 33rd St SE to 37th St SE 301,850
Lea Hill Road/104th Ave SE Roundabout 100,000 159,135 655,636
Fulm er Treatm ent Facility VFD Replacements 175,000
Reservoirs 4 and 8 Seism ic Rehabilitation 1,433,871
12th St SE and Auburn Way South Water R&R 318,000 327,540
2025 Local Street Preservation 65,000 679,800
2026 Local Street Preservation 50,000 154,500 926,166
Coal Creek Springs Flow m eter Replacem ent 375,017
Comprehensive Water System Plan Update - 2024 250,000
Reservoir 2 Valves 68,750 2,266,000
Supply
Cascade Water Alliance Water Purchase 934,810 962,854 991,740 1,021,492 1,052,137 1,083,701
Water Resources Protection Program 87,700 61,800 63,654 65,564 67,531 69,556 71,643 73,792 76,006 78,286
Rehabilitate & Clean Wells 2 and 6 (3-year Cycle)257,500 281,377 307,468
Well Inspection and Redevelopm ent Program 222,789 229,473
Coal Creek Springs Rehabilitation 75,614 546,364 1,125,509 2,318,548 2,193,474
Coal Creek Springs Chlorination Building Replacem ent 621,206 1,919,526
How ard Road CCTF Expansion 570,047 1,304,773
On-Site Chlorine Generation System s (OSEC) at Wells 1 and 4 106,090 191,227
Fulm er CCTF Replace On-Site Chlorine Generation System (OSEC)159,135 382,454
Well 5/5A Upgrades 1,007,855 289,573 1,688,263
Well 7 Treatm ent Phase 1 1,791,078 3,193,982 7,600,620
Well 7 Back-Up Pow er 525,660 2,165,974
Well 7 Treatm ent Phase 2 2,158,095
Well 2 Replacem ent 477,621 1,918,603
Algona Well 1 Study 50,000
Storage
Reservoir Repair and Replacem ents 192,000 61,800 63,654 65,564 67,531 69,556 71,643 73,792 76,006 78,286
Reservoir Painting (10-year Cycle)257,500 1,591,350
Academ y PRV Project 513,582
Reservoir Capital Im provem ents 513,582
Valley Service Area Reservoir No. 3 50,000
Pump Stations
Intertie Booster Pump Station Im provements 75,000 257,500 2,121,800
Lea Hill Pum p Station Replacem ent 835,936 3,376,526 3,014,112
Braunwood Pum p Station M echanical Upgrades 40,000
Distribution System
Annual Distribution System Im provem ents Program 412,000 2,652,250 2,731,818 2,813,772 2,898,185 2,985,131 3,074,685 3,166,925 3,261,933
Street Utility Improvem ents 619,030 654,575 1,420,545 1,463,161 1,507,056 1,552,268 1,598,836 1,646,801 1,696,205
Water Repair & Replacem ents 154,500 477,405 655,636 675,305 695,564 716,431 737,924 760,062 782,864
Water Trench Patches Program 160,000 164,800 169,744 174,836 180,081 185,484 191,048 196,780 202,683 208,764
West Hill Springs Transm ission Main Replacem ent 50,000 212,180 1,257,729
Lea Hill 648 Zoning Adjustm ent 113,644
General
Comprehensive Water System Plan Update - 2034 489,290
$15,368,740 $13,411,473 $13,682,743 $11,664,653 $12,791,194 $11,841,764 $10,671,544 $13,095,389 $14,624,811 $12,224,471
Page 337 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-8
9.4.1.1 System Development Charges
A connection charge such as the City’s system development charge (SDC) refers to a one-time charge
imposed on new customers as a condition of connecting to the water system. The purpose of the SDC is
two-fold: 1) to promote equity between new and existing customers; and 2) to provide a source of revenue
to fund capital projects necessary for meeting growth. This revenue can only be used to fund utility capital
projects or to pay debt service incurred to finance those projects. In the absence of a connection charge,
growth-related capital costs would be borne in large part by existing customers. In 2024, the City charged
all new customers an SDC of $9,553 per meter capacity equivalent (MCE). MCEs are defined by the
American Water Works Association and represent the maximum safe operating flow capacity in gallons per
minute, relative to the base meter size.
9.4.1.2 Local Facilities Charges
While a connection charge is the manner in which new customers pay their share of system investment
costs, local facilities charge funding is used to pay the costs of local facilities that connect each property to
the system’s infrastructure. Local facilities funding is often overlooked in rate forecasting because it is
funded upfront by either connecting customers and developers, or through an assessment to properties,
but never from rates.
A number of mechanisms can be considered toward funding local facilities. One of the following scenarios
typically occurs: (a) the utility charges a connection fee based on the cost of the local facilities (under the
same authority as the facilities assessment fee); (b) a developer funds an extension of the system to its
development and turns those facilities over to the utility (contributed capital); or (c) a local assessment is
set up called a Utility Local Improvement District (ULID/LID) or a Local Utility District (LUD), which collects
tax revenue from benefited properties.
A local facilities charge (LFC) is a variation of the connection charge. It is a city-imposed charge to recover
the cost related to service extension to local properties. Often called a front-footage charge and imposed
on the basis of footage of the main “fronting” a particular property, it is usually implemented as a
reimbursement mechanism to a city for the cost of a local facility that directly serves a property. It is a form
of a connection charge and thus can accumulate up to 10 years of interest. It typically applies in instances
when no developer-installed facilities are needed through developer extension due to the prior existence
of available mains already serving the developing property.
The developer extension is a requirement that a developer install on-site and sometimes off-site
improvements as a condition of extending service. These are in addition to the connection charge required
and must be built to City standards. Part of the agreement between the City and the developer planning to
extend service might include a latecomer agreement (also called payback agreements), resulting in a
latecomer charge to new connections for the developer extension.
Latecomer charges are a variation of developer extensions, whereby new customers connecting to a
developer-installed improvement make a payment to the City based on their share of the developer’s cost.
The City passes this charge on to the developer who installed the facilities. As part of the developer
extension process, this defines the allocation of costs and records latecomer obligations on the title of
affected properties. No interest is allowed, and the reimbursement agreement cannot exceed 20 years in
duration.
ULID/LID is another mechanism for funding infrastructure that assesses benefited properties based on the
special benefit received by the construction of specific facilities. Most often used for local facilities, some
Page 338 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-9
ULIDs also recover related general facilities costs. Substantial legal and procedural requirements can make
this a relatively expensive process, and there are mechanisms by which a ULID can be rejected.
9.4.2 Outside Resources
This section outlines various grant, loan, and bond opportunities available to the City through federal and
state agencies to fund the CIP identified in the WSP.
9.4.2.1 Grants and Low-Cost Loans
Historically, federal and state grant programs were available to local utilities for capital funding assistance.
However, these assistance programs have been mostly eliminated, substantially reduced in scope and
amount, or replaced by loan programs. Remaining grant programs are generally lightly funded and heavily
subscribed. Nonetheless, the benefit of low-interest loans makes the effort of applying worthwhile.
The State of Washington’s Department of Commerce maintains a document currently entitled “Funding
Programs for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects; Updated 3-5-2024”, which contains details on
government programs, eligibility requirements, and contact information, should the City wish to inquire
about program offerings and eligibility requirements.
9.4.2.2 Bond Financing
General Obligation Bonds – General obligation (G.O.) bonds are bonds secured by the full faith and credit
of the issuing agency, committing all available tax and revenue resources to debt repayment. With this high
level of commitment, G.O. bonds have relatively low interest rates and few financial restrictions. However,
the authority to issue G.O. bonds is restricted in terms of the amount and use of the funds, as defined by
the Washington constitution and statute. Specifically, the amount of debt that can be issued is linked to
assessed valuation.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 39.36.020 states:
(2)(a)(ii) Counties, cities, and towns are limited to an indebtedness amount not exceeding
one and one half percent of the value of the taxable property in such counties, cities, or
towns without the assent of three-fifths of the voters therein voting at an election held for
that purpose.
(b) In cases requiring such assent counties, cities, towns, and public hospital districts are
limited to a total indebtedness of two and one-half percent of the value of the taxable
property therein.
While bonding capacity can limit the availability of G.O. bonds for utility purposes, these can sometimes
play a valuable role in project financing. A utility rate savings may be realized through two avenues: the
lower interest rate and related bond costs, and the extension of repayment obligation to all tax-paying
properties (not just developed properties) through the authorization of an ad valorem property tax levy.
Revenue Bonds – Revenue bonds are commonly used to fund utility capital improvements. The debt is
secured by the revenues of the issuing utility. With this limited commitment, revenue bonds typically bear
higher interest rates than G.O. bonds and require security conditions related to the maintenance of
dedicated reserves (a bond reserve) and financial performance (added bond debt service coverage). The
City agrees to satisfy these requirements by resolution as a condition of bond sale.
Page 339 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-10
Revenue bonds can be issued in Washington without a public vote. There is no bonding limit, except
perhaps the practical limit of the utility’s ability to generate sufficient revenue to repay the debt and
provide coverage. In some cases, poor credit might make issuing revenue bonds problematic.
9.4.3 Capital Financing Strategy
An ideal capital financing strategy would include the use of grants and low-cost loans when debt issuance
is required. However, these resources are very limited and competitive in nature and do not provide a
reliable source of funding for planning purposes. It is recommended that the City pursue these funding
avenues but assume revenue bond financing to meet the needs which can’t be met by available cash
resources. The capital financing strategy developed to fund the CIP identified in this WSP assumes the
following funding resources:
Accumulated cash reserves,
Transfers of excess cash (over minimum balance targets) from the Operating Fund,
System development charge revenue,
Interest earned on Capital Fund balances,
Grant proceeds, and
Revenue bond financing.
The cash resources described above are anticipated to fund 47.1 percent of the 10-year CIP and 56.4
percent of the 20-year CIP. The remaining funding is assumed to be from new debt obligations of $69.1M
in the next 10-year planning period and an additional $45.3M between 2034-2043. Table 9-5 presents the
10-year and 20-year capital financing strategy.
Table 9-5 | 10-Year and 20-Year Capital Financing Strategy
9.5 Financial Forecast
The financial forecast, or revenue requirement analysis, forecasts the amount of annual revenue that needs
to be generated by user rates. The analysis incorporates operating revenues, O&M expenses, debt service
payments, rate-funded capital needs, and any other identified revenues or expenses related to operations.
The objective of the financial forecast is to evaluate the sufficiency of the current level of rates. In addition
2024 15,368,740$ 325,000$ 2,717,531$ 12,326,209$ 15,368,740$
2025 13,411,473 452,813 12,958,660 -13,411,473
2026 13,682,743 468,497 3,541,340 9,672,907 13,682,743
2027 11,664,653 484,723 11,179,930 -11,664,653
2028 12,791,194 501,511 6,320,070 5,969,613 12,791,194
2029 11,841,764 518,881 10,400,000 922,883 11,841,764
2030 10,671,544 536,853 -10,134,691 10,671,544
2031 13,095,389 555,446 12,539,943 -13,095,389
2032 14,624,811 574,684 2,260,057 11,790,070 14,624,811
2033 12,224,471 594,589 9,305,411 2,324,471 12,224,471
Subtotal 129,376,782$ 5,012,997$ 2,717,531$ 68,505,411$ 53,140,843$ 129,376,782$
2034 - 2043 133,200,307 7,204,781 45,894,589 80,100,937 133,200,307
Total 262,577,089$ 12,217,778$ 2,717,531$ 114,400,000$ 133,241,780$ 262,577,089$
Year
Capital
Expenditures
Escalated
System
Development
Charge Revenue
Cash / Reserve
Funding
Total Financial
ResourcesGrant Funding Revenue Bond
Proceeds
Page 340 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-11
to annual operating costs, the revenue needs also include debt covenant requirements and specific fiscal
policies and financial goals of the City.
For this analysis, two revenue sufficiency tests have been developed to reflect the financial goals and
constraints of the City: cash needs must be met; and debt coverage requirements must be realized. In order
to operate successfully with respect to these goals, both tests of revenue sufficiency must be met.
Cash Test – The cash flow test identifies all known cash requirements for the City in each year of the
planning period. Typically, these include O&M expenses, debt service payments, rate-funded system
reinvestment funding or directly funded capital outlays, and any additions to specified reserve balances.
The total annual cash needs of the City are then compared to projected cash revenues using the current
rate structure. Any projected revenue shortfalls are identified, and the rate increases necessary to make
up the shortfalls are established.
Coverage Test – The coverage test is based on a commitment made by the City when issuing revenue bonds
and some other forms of long-term debt. For the purposes of this analysis, revenue bond debt is assumed
for any needed debt issuance. As a security condition of issuance, the City would be required per covenant
to agree that the revenue bond debt would have a higher priority for payment (a senior lien) compared to
most other expenditures; the only outlays with a higher lien are O&M expenses. Debt service coverage is
expressed as a multiplier of the annual revenue bond debt service payment. For example, a 1.00 coverage
factor would imply that no additional cushion is required. A 1.25 coverage factor means revenue must be
sufficient to pay O&M expenses, annual revenue bond debt service payments, and an additional 25.0
percent of annual revenue bond debt service payments. The excess cash flow derived from the added
coverage, if any, can be used for any purpose, including funding capital projects. Targeting a higher
coverage factor can help the City achieve a better credit rating and provide lower interest rates for future
debt issues.
9.5.1 Current Financial Structure
The City maintains a fund structure and implements financial policies that target management of a
financially viable and fiscally responsible water system.
9.5.1.1 Fiscal Policies
A summary of the key financial policies employed by the City, as well as those recommended and
incorporated in the financial program, are discussed below.
Operating Reserve – Operating reserves are designed to provide a liquidity cushion to ensure that adequate
cash working capital will be maintained to deal with significant cash balance fluctuations, such as seasonal
fluctuations in billings and receipts, unanticipated cash expenses, or lower than expected revenue
collections. Like other types of reserves, operating reserves also serve another purpose: they help smooth
rate increases over time. Target funding levels for an operating reserve are generally expressed as a certain
number of days of O&M expenses, with the minimum requirement varying with the expected revenue
volatility. Industry practice for utility operating reserves ranges from 30 days (8.0 percent) to 120 days (33.0
percent) of O&M expenses, with the lower end more appropriate for utilities with stable revenue streams
and the higher end more appropriate for utilities with significant seasonal or consumption-based
fluctuations. The City’s current goal is to maintain a minimum balance in the Operating Fund equal to 90
days of O&M expenses for working capital.
Page 341 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-12
Capital Reserve – A capital contingency reserve is an amount of cash set aside in case of an emergency
should a piece of equipment or a portion of the utility’s infrastructure fail unexpectedly. The reserve also
could be used for other unanticipated capital needs, including capital project cost overruns. Industry
practices range from maintaining a balance equal to 1.0 to 2.0 percent of fixed assets, an amount equal to
a 5-year rolling average of CIP costs, or an amount determined sufficient to fund equipment failure (other
than catastrophic failure). The final target level should balance industry practices with the risk level of the
City.
This financial plan targets a minimum balance in the water utility capital fund equal to 1.0 percent of fixed
assets.
System Reinvestment – System reinvestment funding promotes system integrity through ongoing repair
and replacement of system infrastructure. Ideally, a detailed asset management plan would guide the level
of rate funded system reinvestment, however, in absence of this level of effort, annual depreciation
expense is commonly used as a measure of the decline in asset value associated with routine use of the
system. Particularly for utilities that do not already have an explicit system reinvestment policy in place,
implementing a funding level based on full depreciation expense could significantly impact rates. An
alternative benchmark is annual depreciation expense net of debt principal payments on outstanding debt.
This approach recognizes that customers are still paying for certain assets through the debt component of
their rate and intends to avoid simultaneously charging customers for an asset and its future replacement.
The specific benchmark used to set system reinvestment funding targets is a matter of policy that must
balance various objectives, including managing rate impacts, keeping long-term costs down, and promoting
“generational equity” (i.e., not excessively burdening current customers with paying for facilities that will
serve a larger group of customers in the future).
The City is currently phasing in system reinvestment funding, aiming to reach 100 percent of annual
depreciation levels by 2030. With this phase-in strategy in place, the City is forecast to fund an average of
$3.8 million in capital costs annually through dedicated rate revenues within the 10-year forecast period.
Debt Management – It is prudent to consider policies related to debt management as part of a broader
utility financial policy structure. Debt management policies should be evaluated and formalized, including
the level of acceptable outstanding debt, debt repayment, bond coverage, and total debt coverage targets.
The City has three outstanding water revenue bonds, a Public Works Trust fund loan, and two other low
interest loans. This forecast meets or exceeds the required revenue bond debt service coverage of 1.25.
9.5.1.2 Financial Forecast
The financial forecast is primarily based upon the City’s budget through 2024 and takes into consideration
other key factors and assumptions needed to develop a complete portrait of the City’s annual water utility
financial obligations. The following is a list of the key revenue and expense factors and assumptions used
to develop the financial forecast.
Growth – Rate revenue is escalated utilizing a 0.45 percent growth rate developed based on actual
historical trends at the City.
Revenue – The City has two general revenue sources: 1) water service charges (rate revenue); and
2) miscellaneous (non-rate) revenue. In the event of a forecasted annual shortfall, rate revenue
can be increased to meet the annual revenue requirement. For the purpose of this financial
forecast, rate revenues are forecasted to increase with customer growth. Non-rate revenues are
Page 342 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-13
held constant throughout the forecast period, with the exception of interest earnings which are
calculated based on projected balances and assumed investment rates.
System Development Charge Revenue – the existing system development charges are applied to
the projected new connections to forecast revenue. Connection charges are forecast to generate
an average of $501,000 annually from 2024-2033. This equates to an average of 46 new MCEs per
year. Connection charge revenue is directed towards annual capital needs.
Expenses – O&M expense projections are based on the City’s budget through 2024 with general
cost inflation increases of 3.0 percent, labor cost inflation of 5.0 percent for 2025 and 2026,
decreasing to 3.0 percent thereafter and benefit cost inflation increases of 12.50 percent for 2025
and 2026, decreasing to 5.5 percent per year thereafter. Budget figures were used for taxes in
2024. Future taxes are calculated based on forecasted revenues and prevailing tax rates.
o Facilities GO Bond - In order to construct a new facility for Maintenance and Operations for the
City, the water utility will fund part of a General Obligation Bond totaling approximately $39.1
million. Beginning in 2025, the water utility’s proportionate share of the bond is forecasted at
$333,000 annually for the remainder of the twenty-year forecast.
Existing Debt – The water utility has six (6) outstanding debt issues: three (3) revenue bonds, one
(1) Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) loan and two (2) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
loans. Total annual existing debt service obligations begin 2024 at $2.7 million, decreasing to $1.1
million by 2033 as four (4) of the six (6) loans are fully repaid.
Future Debt – The capital financial strategy developed for this WSP forecasts the need for $69.1M
in new debt proceeds in five (5) separate instances throughout the ten-year forecast. The analysis
performed assumes all new debt is through revenue bond financing. Annual new debt service
obligations are forecasted to begin in 2025 at $1.5 million increasing to $6.1 million by 2033.
Transfers to Capital - Operating fund balance above the minimum requirement is assumed to be
available to fund capital projects and projected to be transferred to the Capital Fund each year, if
needed. In total, the utility is forecast to fund $16.7 million in capital projects from excess operating
fund cash within the 10-year forecast period.
Although the financial plan is completed through 2043, the rate strategy focuses on the shorter-term
planning period of 2024 through 2033. It is recommended that the City revisit the proposed rates every 3
to 4 years to ensure that the rate projections developed remain adequate. Any significant changes should
be incorporated into the financial plan and future rates should be adjusted as needed.
Table 9-6, following, summarizes the annual revenue requirements based on the forecast of revenues,
expenditures, fund balances, and fiscal policies.
Page 343 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-14
Table 9-6 | 10-Year Financial Forecast
The financial forecast indicates that at existing rate levels the utility will become deficient in 2025 as growth in expenses outpaces growth in revenues
and the utility takes on additional debt obligations to fund capital infrastructure investment. The City has adopted a 7.50 percent increase for 2025,
to resolve the remaining projected deficiency, rates will need to increase by 9.50 percent annually from 2026 through 2030, before decreasing to
3.00 percent annually through 2033.
Revenue Requirement 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Revenues
Rate Revenues Under Existing Rates 18,398,987$ 18,480,409$ 18,562,210$ 18,644,392$ 18,726,956$ 18,809,906$ 18,893,241$ 18,976,964$ 19,061,078$ 19,145,583$
Non-Rate Revenues 711,618 995,023 921,087 742,167 760,542 763,594 775,863 779,012 795,263 798,519
Total Revenues 19,110,605$ 19,475,432$ 19,483,297$ 19,386,559$ 19,487,499$ 19,573,500$ 19,669,104$ 19,755,976$ 19,856,341$ 19,944,102$
Expenses
Cash Operating Expenses 14,490,240$ 15,195,624$ 15,775,495$ 16,147,464$ 16,560,290$ 16,986,418$ 17,429,740$ 17,888,499$ 18,366,342$ 18,860,547$
Existing Debt Service 2,674,248 2,671,361 2,665,106 2,615,447 2,611,734 2,601,528 2,598,336 1,759,410 1,759,292 1,090,490
New Debt Service -1,455,336 1,455,336 2,998,874 2,998,874 3,916,177 3,916,177 5,221,569 5,221,569 6,094,771
Rate Funded System Reinvestment 1,738,857 1,037,921 2,016,114 1,877,607 3,393,539 4,213,598 5,626,454 5,888,362 6,180,858 6,425,348
Total Expenses 18,903,345$ 20,360,242$ 21,912,050$ 23,639,392$ 25,564,438$ 27,717,721$ 29,570,707$ 30,757,840$ 31,528,062$ 32,471,155$
Total Surplus (Def iciency)207,259$ (884,810)$ (2,428,754)$ (4,252,833)$ (6,076,939)$ (8,144,221)$ (9,901,603)$ (11,001,863)$ (11,671,720)$ (12,527,053)$
Annual Rate Adjustment 0.00%7.50%9.50%9.50%9.50%9.50%9.50%3.00%3.00%3.00%
Cumulative Annual Rate Adjustment 0.00%7.50%17.71%28.90%41.14%54.55%69.23%74.31%79.54%84.92%
Rate Revenues After Rate Increase 18,398,987$ 19,866,440$ 21,850,041$ 24,031,724$ 26,431,269$ 29,070,437$ 31,973,157$ 33,078,288$ 34,221,651$ 35,404,570$
Additional Taxes from Rate Increase -229,097 543,446 890,472 1,273,446 1,695,963 2,161,979 2,330,808 2,505,891 2,687,448
Net Cash Flow Af ter Rate Increase 207,259$ 272,124$ 315,632$ 244,027$ 353,928$ 420,347$ 1,016,334$ 768,653$ 982,962$ 1,044,486$
Coverage After Rate Increases 3.00 2.10 2.40 1.91 2.24 2.19 2.52 2.41 2.50 2.43
Page 344 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-15
9.5.1.3 City Funds and Reserves
Table 9-7 shows a summary of the projected Operating Fund and Capital Fund ending balances through
2033 based on the rate forecasts presented above. The Operating Fund is maintained above 90 days of
O&M expenses. The Capital Fund balance meets or exceeds the minimum target of 1 percent of fixed assets
in most years of the study timeframe with the exception of 2026, 2028 and 2030 where balances fall below
target. Fund balances are rebuilt and meet or exceed target balances by the end of the ten-year timeframe.
Table 9-7 | Ending Cash Balance Summary
9.6 Current and Projected Rates
9.6.1 Current Rates
The existing water rates are composed of a fixed monthly charge that varies by meter size and a variable
consumption charge per hundred cubic feet (CCF) for all water usage. While fixed charges are consistent
across customer classes for all meter sizes except one inch, usage charges are different for each customer
class. Consumption for the single family class is divided into three escalating pricing tiers that are applied
year-round. This type of inclining tier structure is designed to discourage discretionary usage of water and
encourage conservation. All other customers are charged a uniform rate for all consumption used. Table
9-8 shows the existing City of Auburn water system rate schedule.
Ending Fund Balances 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Operating Fund 8,988,743$ 9,260,867$ 3,943,874$ 4,036,866$ 4,140,073$ 4,246,604$ 4,357,435$ 4,472,125$ 4,591,586$ 4,715,137$
Capital Fund 2,019,201 6,659,039 1,226,711 9,587,690 1,038,144 4,653,056 1,096,853 9,910,203 3,003,538 8,649,973
Total 11,007,944$15,919,905$5,170,585$ 13,624,556$5,178,217$ 8,899,660$ 5,454,288$ 14,382,328$7,595,123$ 13,365,110$
Page 345 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-16
Table 9-8 | Existing Schedule of Rates
9.6.2 Projected Rates
The financial forecast discussed above indicates the need for annual rate adjustments in order to satisfy all
forecasted financial obligations. The city has adopted a 7.50 percent increase for 2025, with annual 9.50
percent increases forecasted from 2026 through 2030, and 3.00 percent increases from 2031 to 2033.
Table 9-9 shows the projected rates with increases applied uniformly to the water fixed and volume
components for all classes. A more detailed rate study that will analyze the projected increases beyond the
current adopted rates will be conducted in 2025.
3/4”21.08$
1” - Single Family 21.08
1” - All Other Classes 23.66
1 1/2” 25.76
2” 29.69
3”57.11
4”71.66
6”91.57
8”118.30
10”167.97
Single Family
0-7 CCF 4.18$
7-15 CCF 5.11
Greater Than 15 CCF 5.81
Multi-Family 5.00$
Commercial 5.27
Manuf acturing / Industrial 5.15
Schools 5.61
Municipal 5.19
Irrigation 6.94
Description 2024
Existing
M onthly Fixed Charges (All Classes)
Volume Charges per CCF
Page 346 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-17
Table 9-9 | Proposed Schedule of Rates
9.6.3 Conservation Based Rates
In 2003 the Washington State Legislature passed the Municipal Water Supply Efficiency Requirements Act.
The Water Use Efficiency rules went into effect on January 22, 2007 and typically apply to Water System
Plans that each jurisdiction is required to develop every six to ten years. The Revised Code of Washington
(RCW) outlines the rules of this act, under RCW 70.119.180. In section 4(B), the RCW states that
jurisdictions must perform an “evaluation of the feasibility of adopting and implementing water delivery
rate structures that encourage water conservation.” The City of Auburn currently charges their single
family residential customers based on an inclining block rate structure to incentivize water use
conservation, therefore no additional evaluation was performed.
9.7 Affordability
The Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Commerce Public Works Board use an
affordability index to prioritize low-cost loan awards depending on whether rates exceed 2.5 percent of the
median household income for the service area. The average median household income for the City was
$87,406 between 2018 and 2022, expressed in 2022 dollars, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2022
value is escalated based on the actual rate of inflation in 2023 of 4.31 percent and the 3.00 percent inflation
rate used in the financial forecast to project the median household income in future years. Table 9-10
presents the City’s monthly water bill, projected to 2033 and tested against the 2.5 precent monthly
affordability threshold.
Existing
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
3/4”21.08$ 22.66$ 24.81$ 27.17$ 29.75$ 32.58$ 35.68$ 36.75$ 37.85$ 38.99$
1” - Single Family 21.08 22.66 24.81 27.17 29.75 32.58 35.68 36.75 37.85 38.99
1” - All Other Classes 23.66 25.43 27.85 30.50 33.40 36.57 40.04 41.24 42.48 43.75
1 1/2” 25.76 27.69 30.32 33.20 36.35 39.80 43.58 44.89 46.24 47.63
2” 29.69 31.92 34.95 38.27 41.91 45.89 50.25 51.76 53.31 54.91
3”57.11 61.39 67.22 73.61 80.60 88.26 96.64 99.54 102.53 105.61
4”71.66 77.03 84.35 92.36 101.13 110.74 121.26 124.90 128.65 132.51
6”91.57 98.44 107.79 118.03 129.24 141.52 154.96 159.61 164.40 169.33
8”118.30 127.17 139.25 152.48 166.97 182.83 200.20 206.21 212.40 218.77
10”167.97 180.57 197.72 216.50 237.07 259.59 284.25 292.78 301.56 310.61
Single Family
0-7 CCF 4.18$ 4.49$ 4.92$ 5.39$ 5.90$ 6.46$ 7.07$ 7.28$ 7.50$ 7.73$
7-15 CCF 5.11 5.49 6.01 6.58 7.21 7.89 8.64 8.90 9.17 9.45
Greater Than 15 CCF 5.81 6.25 6.84 7.49 8.20 8.98 9.83 10.12 10.42 10.73
Multi-Family 5.00$ 5.38$ 5.89$ 6.45$ 7.06$ 7.73$ 8.46$ 8.71$ 8.97$ 9.24$
Commercial 5.27 5.67 6.21 6.80 7.45 8.16 8.94 9.21 9.49 9.77
Manuf acturing / Industrial 5.15 5.54 6.07 6.65 7.28 7.97 8.73 8.99 9.26 9.54
Schools 5.61 6.03 6.60 7.23 7.92 8.67 9.49 9.77 10.06 10.36
Municipal 5.19 5.58 6.11 6.69 7.33 8.03 8.79 9.05 9.32 9.60
Irrigation 6.94 7.46 8.17 8.95 9.80 10.73 11.75 12.10 12.46 12.83
Proposed
Monthly Fixed Charges (All Classes)
Volume Charges per CCF
Description
Page 347 of 348
22-3425 • June 2024 2024 Water System Plan • City of Auburn
Financial Program Page 9-18
Table 9-10 | Community Affordability Test
Applying the 2.5 percent monthly affordability test, the City’s rates are forecasted to remain within the
indicated affordability range through 2033.
9.8 Conclusion
The results of this analysis indicate that at existing rate levels the utility will be deficient beginning in 2025.
To keep pace with expenses and prepare for new debt obligations needed to fund system infrastructure
needs, the City has adopted a 7.50 percent rate increase in 2025. Forecasting into the future a 9.5 percent
annual rate increase will be required from 2026 through 2030, followed by 3.00 percent increases through
2033. It is recommended that the City regularly review and update the key underlying assumptions that
compose the multi-year financial plan to ensure that adequate revenues are collected to meet the City’s
total financial obligations.
Year Inflatio n M edian HH
Inco me
2.5% M onthly
Threshold
Projected
M onthly Bill
% o f M edian HH
In come
2022 87,406$
2023 4.31%91,173
2024 3.00%93,908 195.64$ 50.34$ 0.64%
2025 3.00%96,726 201.51 54.09 0.67%
2026 3.00%99,627 207.56 59.25 0.71%
2027 3.00%102,616 213.78 64.90 0.76%
2028 3.00%105,695 220.20 71.05 0.81%
2029 3.00%108,866 226.80 77.80 0.86%
2030 3.00%112,132 233.61 85.17 0.91%
2031 3.00%115,495 240.62 87.71 0.91%
2032 3.00%118,960 247.83 90.35 0.91%
2033 3.00%122,529 255.27 93.10 0.91%
Page 348 of 348