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Plan now or pay more later

A lot of hot myths have steamed the mirrors of late, especially as Coun. Laurie Charlton’s pen heats up in a campaign that can only be characterized as misinformative, perhaps deliberately so.

A lot of hot myths have steamed the mirrors of late, especially as Coun. Laurie Charlton’s pen heats up in a campaign that can only be characterized as misinformative, perhaps deliberately so.

Yes, the century old water pipes down Washington are in “good shape.” But, as Charlton knows, the lead joints all the way down are not: Five times in the last decade the city has spent thousands to repair popped joints.

Any vibration, impact, or digging within meters of the pipe can cause a rupture. A minor leak may only cost $3000, but a washout can sag the road and cost tens of thousands to repair. Wouldn’t that be nice under brand new black top?

In parallel, the 1960s era sewage line is made of three-foot sections of clay tile with unsealed joints that can allow water to seep in and sewage to seep out.

The storm lines are over-burdened, with massive overflows three times in the last two decades. Peak flows are only going to increase due to climate change, new catch basins, and old drains that will eventually be diverted out of the sewage system.

Along Columbia, the 8” water pipe is so thin that an end-plate couldn’t be welded on. Public works manager Darrin Albo said, “We’re on borrowed time.”

Finally, Charlton’s budget fear-mongering is baseless. Until a half million is spent on a thorough engineer’s report, nobody will know the details of either the problems or the cost of renovations.

Let Charlton sit on his thumbs and encourage others to do the same. We opt for proactive planning, and Columbia and Washington are just the tip of the iceberg.

Whatever the costs, it is something we can plan for now or pay more for later.