Bainbridge Seeks Up to $4.8 Million for a Winslow Drinking-Water Well

One of the main wells supplying Winslow has pumps more than 30 years old. On November 10, the Bainbridge Island City Council will consider giving Public Works permission to seek up to $4.8 million to rehabilitate the Head of the Bay well, treat manganese in the water, and replace pumps and controls.

The city’s capital plan lists $1.347 million for the earlier project. The larger estimate combines the well rehabilitation and water-treatment work with equipment upgrades and includes engineering, permits, construction, and a contingency. Staff also expects higher consulting costs. The estimate will change as engineers assess the well.

Timing matters because the state application is due November 30. According to Public Works, the Washington Department of Health said in October that this round is the last opportunity to seek surplus federal emerging-contaminant funds before that funding shrinks in 2027. The state has given a preliminary indication that the project may qualify.

Staff describes a possible 20-year loan at 2.25 percent with a 1 percent loan fee. The state could forgive part of the principal after completion. The city would return to Council with the actual offer, the amount Winslow’s water system would have to repay, and any needed budget change.

The capital project sheet lists design in 2027 and construction in 2028. Tuesday’s vote would authorize the application and designate Assistant Public Works Director Tom Edwards to submit it. The November 10 Council packet describes the funding request and the existing project schedule.