New Way to Get Drinking Water from Bay

Escanaba is exploring how to pay for a big project to replace the city’s aging water intake system.

The City Council is considering either taking out a bond issue or applying for a loan through the state.

The city’s water intake system is about 100 years old.

The council also hired an engineering firm to start planning.

City Manager Jim O’Toole says the project should cost $3 million, should take place in 2011 and should take 3 to 4 months to complete.

Escanaba’s water comes from Little Bay de Noc before being treated at the water plant so residents can use it.