Town of Soper

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Town of Soper is seeking funding to make improvements to our public works water/wastewater system. This project will help us supply safe drinking water for the entire community, including our most vulnerable populations and the emergency service personnel that assist during tragic events. At the end of the project, we envision a system that is reliable, maintainable, and capable of withstanding the challenges of climate change, natural disasters, and the next pandemic.

EVIDENCE

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Parkhill Consultants.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Our entire community will benefit from this project including the head start, elementary, middle, and high schools that educate our future, the Soper Community and Senior Citizens Center that serves meals five days a week to the older population including veterans and Native Americans, the local volunteer fire department that must have a reliable source of water for the many times they are called out to fire, several churches all of which have a weekly service and various programs throughout the year and a small number of businesses that serve the locals, travelers passing through and other businesses. All of these places were impacted by the pandemic. Schools and businesses were closed down for several months. Many people had to be quarantined, some had to take a reduction in hours of work, others had routines drastically adjusted and a few lost a loved one or had lost their own life. The ways of living as we knew it were changed and felt by everyone.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

It is crucial that we treat our water according to regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), requires a monthly water sample to be taken and then it is sent in to be tested for contaminants. Other tests are taken throughout the year(s) including checking for lead, etc. DEQ also makes random, on-site inspections of the entire water/wastewater system. A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is required annually as well.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding