Washington’s City Council, during its last meeting, authorized the city manager to execute a sewer rehabilitation contract with Rivers and Associates, which will be paid $299,000 for its work related to the sewer rehabilitation project.

The contract amount is approximately 13.7 percent less than the $340,000 originally budgeted and approved by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources for professional services related to the project. Of the three companies that expressed interest in the project, Rivers and Associates was the only one to submit a proposal, according to a memorandum from Allen Lewis, the city’s public works director, to the mayor and council.

The city has been awarded $2 million — $1.5 million awarded as a 0-percent loan and $500,000 was awarded in the form of principal forgiveness, which will not have to be paid back — for the work. That work includes addressing inflow and infiltration projects.

The source of the money is the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The money — low-interest or interest-free loans — may be used for eligible water and/or wastewater projects. The fund made at least $65 million for similar projects available this funding cycle. March 31 was the deadline to apply for part of that funding, according to Lewis. On March 23, the council authorized the city to seek the funding.

Inflow and infiltration is when water from outside sources (mostly groundwater) enters sewer lines through cracks, holes and faulty joints. I&I adds to wastewater-treatment costs because it increases the amount of wastewater to be treated.

Last year, the city received a $35,000 grant to pay for an I&I study to determine where outside water enters the sewer system. That study uses visual inspection and smoke tests to locate possible I&I sites in the sewer system.