State requires city to treat storm water

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake residents may be funding a storm water management program mandated by the state.

"We have an obligation to tend to our storm water," City Manager Joe Gavinski said.

Storm water includes water left from melted snow and storms, according to the City of Moses Lake Web site. It can collect on the surface and be absorbed into the ground. Sometimes the water can collect grease, oil, chemicals, garbage and animal waste.

He said the mandate requires some cities, including Moses Lake, to begin treating their storm water because it can affect groundwater and the lake.

Gavinski said the treatment can be funded with the general fund or by creating a new utility fee on resident's bills.

He estimates it could cost between $4 and $6 per residence, per month, to fund the treatment,

"This is our best estimate here for what we have on the table," he said.

Moses Lake was included in the mandate requirement due to the lake, said Assistant Municipal Services Director and City Engineer Gerry McFaul. The majority of storm water enters dry wells. The amount of pollution affecting the lake due to storm water is less than the equivalent of one boat being used on the lake for one month, he said.

Councilmember Brent Reese asked if it is possible to avoid billing citizens for the storm water treatment.

"This is not a matter of choice for the city," Mayor Ron Covey said. "This is like sewer. This is like water. This is like garbage. We don't have a choice here."

Councilmember Richard Pearce said the only other option would be to fund the treatment program through the general fund but it doesn't eliminate the fee from citizens because they help pay for the general fund.

No action was taken at the meeting. City staff will continue to research the issue.