Storm Lake is taking a major step toward upgrading its water infrastructure.
At Monday night’s city council meeting, officials confirmed the formation of a Water Treatment Plant Design Advisory Ad Hoc Committee — a group tasked with helping plan and fund a new facility projected to cost over $100 million.
City manager Keri Navratil explains the new committee.
The committee includes city staff, industrial users, school and business representatives, and residents from Storm Lake, Lakeside, and Lake Creek. Its first meeting is set for Sept. 10 and will include a tour of the current plant and review of a preliminary engineering report. All meetings are open to the public, says Navratil.
The city is nearing its daily water capacity of five million gallons, prompting voluntary conservation measures this summer. Officials say mandatory restrictions could follow if demand continues to rise.
The committee will weigh whether to expand the current plant or build a new one, with final recommendations expected by December and a formal proposal to council in early 2026.
