Semiconductor chip shortage means long delay for Pendleton’s newest reservoir

By on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The new reservoir on Airport Hill has been filled with water, but the water continues to have no way to get where it’s supposed to be. Pendleton Public Works Director Bob Patterson says delivery of the drives for the booster pump station is being impacted by the semiconductor chip shortage.

“Our drives still have not shipped,” he said. “The tentative date has now been moved from October-November clear into January of next year.”

Once the reservoir is pumping water, the city plans to demolish old reservoirs and two old pump stations on Airport Hill. The delay in the booster pump station drives will make that work more difficult as well, Patterson said.

“Demolishing stuff in late summer and into the fall is not as big an issue as into the winter and following spring,” he said.

The new reservoir and pump station is a $10.5 million project.