Mountain Home’s Water and Wastewater Committee is considering a voluntary leak forgiveness program and potential new fees for unmetered fire sprinkler lines to better manage water usage and costs. The measures were discussed during the committee’s September 15 meeting, which was documented in minutes presented at the City Council meeting last week. No decisions were made.
Water customers might soon have the option to pay a small monthly fee to gain protection against unusually high bills caused by leaks, under one of the proposals reviewed. Currently, the city offers partial sewer bill credits in certain leak cases, such as broken outdoor lines, but provides no adjustment on the water portion of those bills.
Kirsten Skiver-Sanders, who proposed the program, explained that customers could opt into the leak forgiveness program for $2 to $5 per month. The city could generate substantial revenue and provide financial protection for participants by using the fees to offset the costs of forgiving water charges related to extraordinary leaks. Skiver-Sanders highlighted similar programs operated by other municipalities and provided examples during the meeting, noting this approach should not be mistaken for insurance.
The committee also deliberated over introducing a fee for fire service lines connected to sprinkler systems, which are currently not metered. While these systems incur operational costs—such as maintaining the water pressure and infrastructure required to deliver water effectively—the city presently does not charge property owners for their use. Skiver-Sanders presented examples from other water departments, some of which base fire service fees on line size or building square footage. City officials raised questions during the discussion but did not advance the matter to a vote.
In addition to these proposals, Public Works Director Steve Hill reported that water loss remains a significant concern, with 28.1% of the system's treated water in August—and an annual average of 32%—going unaccounted for. The city is addressing this issue by ordering 96 pressure- and temperature-monitoring meters to help identify leaks within the system. Residential meter replacement is also underway, with 200 units replaced out of an initial batch of 250. Hill indicated a goal of replacing 4,000 to 5,000 meters over the next few years.
Financially, city water services operated at a slight deficit for August, with $613,917 in revenue against $620,428 in expenses. Sewer services, by contrast, reported a surplus with $481,090 in revenue against $328,437 in costs. Hill noted these figures were recorded before recently approved rate increases for water and sewer services took effect on September 15.
The committee also received updates on infrastructure projects. Engineering firm Garver reported progress on the Lake Norfork water intake project, with soil borings at key sites nearing completion. Work is also advancing on the Southwest Ground Storage Tank to Midway Elevated Storage Tank project and additional upgrades to collector mains. Smaller projects, such as the Baxter Avenue water main improvement and College Plaza sewer relining, are ongoing.
Hill also addressed national reports of a fluoride shortage that could affect water treatment operations. He said Mountain Home’s treatment plant currently has adequate supplies and would request a waiver from the state if necessary.
These discussions and ongoing projects reflect the city’s efforts to improve water system efficiency, ensure revenue stability, and address infrastructure needs.