The Lacey City Council on Nov. 3 unanimously authorized the city manager to enter an interlocal agreement with LOTT and commit $50,000 toward a Class A+ reclaimed-water potable-reuse demonstration project.

Vince McGowan, water resources manager, told council the project is on track to produce Class A+ reclaimed water and that staff are working closely with state regulators, including the Department of Health and the State Board of Health, to monitor chemicals of concern. The pilot will evaluate two treatment trains: reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon, followed by final disinfection; staff explained the tradeoffs of each approach, including reverse-osmosis reject streams and higher energy use versus spent carbon disposal for granular activated carbon.

Council members asked whether the pilot is exploratory or indicates the city’s intent to adopt potable reuse in the future. Vince and other staff said jurisdictions in more arid regions have advanced the technology and regulatory frameworks; Lacey’s participation is intended to inform future decisions and test performance and operations in cooperation with regulators. Scott Ager (staff) noted the project is a long-term investment because future water-right constraints limit available conventional sources.

The motion to authorize the interlocal agreement and commit $50,000 passed unanimously by voice vote.