Osawatomie was under a water boil advisory over the weekend, due to a mechanical malfunction in their water treatment plant. The KDHE issued the advisory as a precaution. Deputy City Manager, Michele Silsbee, with an explanation:
In September, the Osawatomie City Council accepted $48 million in federal loans and grants to build a new water plant. The current plant dates back to the late 1930’s and early 1940’s with a few upgrades in the 60’s. The process to accept funding for a new facility began back in 2020. As of right now, Silsbee says they are working on plans for the new $50 million plant.
Over the course of the loan, the City of Osawatomie will gradually raise prices each year to pay off its debt. City Manager, Bret Glendening, says that building its own water facility would create stability in resident utility rates and water distribution control.
