Wichita approves Main Water Treatment Plant emergency conversion amid contractor capacity constraints

Wichita approves Main Water Treatment Plant emergency conversion amid contractor capacity constraintsThe Wichita City Council advanced the conversion of its legacy water treatment plant to a backup facility in a 6-1 vote, while also approving multiple sewer and stormwater contracts despite local bidding challenges.

Council approved contract documents converting the Main Water Treatment Plant to emergency use, passing 6-1.

Councilmember Johnston cast the lone dissenting vote, questioning the need for a backup plant given the redundancies built into the city's new facility.

The city awarded a $1.43 million contract to NOAC Construction for water and sewer improvements at the Whispering Creek addition.

A $248,600 contract for stormwater sewer repairs drew only a single bid, highlighting local contractor capacity constraints and municipal procurement hurdles.

The Wichita City Council has approved contract documents to convert its Main Water Treatment Plant into an emergency use facility. The measure passed 6-1 during the council's March 10, 2026, meeting. Councilmember Johnston, who pulled the item from the consent agenda, cast the sole dissenting vote. Johnston questioned the necessity of maintaining a backup facility, noting that the city's new water treatment plant is designed with multiple operational redundancies. "I still do not understand why we have not had a backup water treatment plant forever in Wichita," Johnston stated. "I don't see why we need another one when our new water treatment plant, when operating, will have multiple redundancies to it." In separate action, the council unanimously approved over $2 million in water, wastewater, and stormwater contracts through its Board of Bids and Contracts. This included a $1,435,986 contract awarded to NOAC Construction Company Inc. for water distribution and sanitary sewer improvements serving the Whispering Creek addition, and a $386,170 contract to Wildcat Construction Company Inc. for sanitary sewer improvements at Lift Station 4. The meeting also highlighted ongoing contractor capacity constraints in the local market. A $248,600 contract for stormwater sewer repairs at the Wichita Valley Center Flood Control Project was awarded to Dutton Construction Services LLC after receiving only one bid. Josh Lauber of the Department of Finance noted that the project had been rebid after being on the market for over six months without success. City staff reported that other frequent vendors declined to participate in the stormwater project, citing that they were "too busy" or found municipal procurement processes more difficult than private client work. Lauber noted that some vendors openly express that city purchasing thresholds and requirements are more cumbersome than private sector engagements, leading to declined participation. Additionally, the council approved petitions for public improvements at the Young East Addition, which will provide water, stormwater drainage, and sanitary sewer infrastructure for a new residential development.