To add $60 million secondary water source, Mitchell leaders considering steep water rate hikes – Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — As Mitchell continues exceeding its daily capacity of water from its supplier, city leaders are looking to secure a secondary water source and avoid future conflicts.

However, adding another water source will come with a hefty price tag.

During Monday’s work session meeting, the Mitchell City Council learned it would cost between $40 million to $60 million to secure a secondary water source and expand the city’s capacity. For the city to fund such an endeavor, it will result in Mitchell residents seeing their water and wastewater bills increase over the next few years, according to city officials.

“We’re using more water than we are guaranteed to have access to now. If you don’t do something to secure additional water, you’re going to be short from where we currently are now, with or without growth,” City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein said to the…