Water Updates: Well 3 Shutting Down
Well No. 3 Shut Down for Winter Following Elevated Carbon Tetrachloride Reading (Serves Tenney Lapham Area)
The Utility took Well No. 3 off standby operation today and began preparing it for winter shut down upon receipt this morning of a sample result showing a carbon tetrachloride level of 6.2 ppb. A violation of water quality standards and regulations would occur if three consecutive samples from the well exceeded 5 ppb. A sample taken in June had a carbon tetrachloride level of 4.7 ppb. Though the water quality regulation has not been violated, we are concerned about this level of carbon tetrachloride in the well, so we are shutting it down for the winter earlier than planned. Over the winter and before placing the well back in service, we will evaluate options for dealing with the elevated carbon tetrachloride levels in the well. The sample result received today was from a sample collected on September 5th. The well has been on standby status since May in order to minimize the amount of iron and manganese produced from the well. Because it was on standby status, the well had been in operation for a period of only about 4 hours since September 5th. Well No. 3 provides service in the East Isthmus area when it is operating.
Carbon tetrachloride is a contaminant found in solvents and produced from industrial processes. By making some well modifications, the Utility has been able to maintain levels below regulated standards when the well is pumped on a regular basis. It is likely that placing the well on standby status and pumping it irregularly has caused carbon tetrachloride levels to rise.
Other City Wells Being Scheduled for Winter Shut Down
Three other wells will be shut down for winter by the end of September. These include Well No. 10 (near west side), Well 29 (far east
side) and Well 8 (near east side). These three wells, all of which produce levels of manganese below any levels of health concern but above aesthetic guidelines, have been on standby status. Five additional city wells will be shut down in October and November. These additional shutdowns are unrelated to manganese levels and are due solely to significant reductions in water demand during the winter months.
Water Quality Manager Interviews Underway
The Utility is conducting interviews this week for its vacant Water Quality Manager position. Following a national search, 14 applications were received for the position, and the field has been narrowed to six individuals who are being interviewed this week. The interview and selection team for the position consists of representatives of the Utility, the Health Department and the Board of Water Commissioners. We hope to have the position filled by the end of the month.
City-wide Sampling Program in Progress
Water quality sampling for manganese throughout the water system is in progress. This follows the sampling programs conducted in the areas served by wells producing the highest levels of manganese and where discolored water reports were highest. Sampling results indicate that iron and manganese levels are low outside these areas and that our flushing program is effective in reducing manganese levels inside these areas.
Flushing Program Update
Water main flushing continues in several areas of the City. Over the next several weeks, the Utility will shift to its traditional nighttime flushing program in order to be able to complete flushing operations throughout the City before cold temperatures force the termination of the program for the year.
The Utility took Well No. 3 off standby operation today and began preparing it for winter shut down upon receipt this morning of a sample result showing a carbon tetrachloride level of 6.2 ppb. A violation of water quality standards and regulations would occur if three consecutive samples from the well exceeded 5 ppb. A sample taken in June had a carbon tetrachloride level of 4.7 ppb. Though the water quality regulation has not been violated, we are concerned about this level of carbon tetrachloride in the well, so we are shutting it down for the winter earlier than planned. Over the winter and before placing the well back in service, we will evaluate options for dealing with the elevated carbon tetrachloride levels in the well. The sample result received today was from a sample collected on September 5th. The well has been on standby status since May in order to minimize the amount of iron and manganese produced from the well. Because it was on standby status, the well had been in operation for a period of only about 4 hours since September 5th. Well No. 3 provides service in the East Isthmus area when it is operating.
Carbon tetrachloride is a contaminant found in solvents and produced from industrial processes. By making some well modifications, the Utility has been able to maintain levels below regulated standards when the well is pumped on a regular basis. It is likely that placing the well on standby status and pumping it irregularly has caused carbon tetrachloride levels to rise.
Other City Wells Being Scheduled for Winter Shut Down
Three other wells will be shut down for winter by the end of September. These include Well No. 10 (near west side), Well 29 (far east
side) and Well 8 (near east side). These three wells, all of which produce levels of manganese below any levels of health concern but above aesthetic guidelines, have been on standby status. Five additional city wells will be shut down in October and November. These additional shutdowns are unrelated to manganese levels and are due solely to significant reductions in water demand during the winter months.
Water Quality Manager Interviews Underway
The Utility is conducting interviews this week for its vacant Water Quality Manager position. Following a national search, 14 applications were received for the position, and the field has been narrowed to six individuals who are being interviewed this week. The interview and selection team for the position consists of representatives of the Utility, the Health Department and the Board of Water Commissioners. We hope to have the position filled by the end of the month.
City-wide Sampling Program in Progress
Water quality sampling for manganese throughout the water system is in progress. This follows the sampling programs conducted in the areas served by wells producing the highest levels of manganese and where discolored water reports were highest. Sampling results indicate that iron and manganese levels are low outside these areas and that our flushing program is effective in reducing manganese levels inside these areas.
Flushing Program Update
Water main flushing continues in several areas of the City. Over the next several weeks, the Utility will shift to its traditional nighttime flushing program in order to be able to complete flushing operations throughout the City before cold temperatures force the termination of the program for the year.
posted by Brenda Konkel at
1:17 PM
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