West Burlington Seeks $3 Million for Critical Force Main Replacement Project

West Burlington's 24-inch force main, crucial for sewage transport, needs replacement due to age and operational issues. The city seeks $3 million in federal funding for the $10.6 million project, which aims to enhance infrastructure reliability and reduce operational risks. Without assistance, sewer bills could rise significantly for residents and businesses.

Published Mar 21, 2026

West Burlington's 24-inch force main, a key sewage line, is in urgent need of replacement after nearly 40 years of service. The line, which transports 60% of the city's sewage to the treatment plant, has operational issues due to a lack of air release valves and redundancy.

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The city requests $3 million in federal Community Project Funding to support the overall $10.6 million replacement cost. Without this funding, residential sewer bills could rise by $20/month, with commercial rates increasing by $100-$150/month. The city plans to install a new 12-inch force main to improve system reliability and maintenance efficiency.