Storm Lake Seeks Engineering Firms to Design New Water Treatment Plant

Storm Lake posted a Request for Qualifications on March 9, opening the search for an engineering firm to design a new municipal drinking water treatment plant that early projections estimate will cost around $200 million for the full plant and well system.

Engineering firms have until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 3 to submit their statements of qualifications. The selected firm will carry the project from early evaluation and technical studies through final construction administration once work begins on the new facility.

The RFQ is the latest in a series of deliberate steps the city has taken to keep the project on the timeline recommended by the Water Treatment Plant Advisory Committee. In February, the Storm Lake City Council approved the purchase of nearly 90 acres of land on 90th Avenue near Storm Lake Early Elementary School, securing the site for the new plant. The advisory committee had flagged land procurement as a critical milestone, warning that delays in acquiring property could push the entire project off schedule.

Financial planning is advancing alongside the engineering search. Last week the city council approved a service agreement with Piper Sandler & Co. to model water utility revenues, outline borrowing options, and structure the debt needed to finance construction. Residents can expect phased water-rate increases later this decade as bonds are issued to cover costs. City leaders say the issuance of the RFQ keeps Storm Lake aligned with the advisory committee's recommended schedule.

Once proposals arrive, city staff will review the submissions, conduct interviews if necessary, and forward a recommendation to the city council for final selection. That council vote will determine which firm takes the lead on one of the largest infrastructure investments in Storm Lake's recent history.