Creston Water still in a quandary over quantity

Creston Waterworks General Manager Steve Guthrie told his board Tuesday a cause for limited water quantity still has not been found. But what is scheduled to happen soon may get closer to the reason.

“We are meeting demand,” Guthrie said about water. “One or 2 percent of the time, when things get really hot and dry, we are having to to push the limits of our what plant is currently able to do. We struggle a little bit.”

For the past few weeks the water treatment plant has not consistently met the desired amounts needed to provide for Creston and Southern Iowa Rural Water Association customers. Guthrie said the goal is to have about 4,500 gallons a minute, but the amount is closer to 4,100. Guthrie said the shortage does make a difference. Creston Waterworks and SIRWA have asked their customers to voluntary conserve water usage and Guthrie said he is appreciative of people’s efforts.

“It’s our carbon media or underdrain system. I’m not sure which,” Guthrie said about possible suspects, both part of the treatment process.

Carbon is used in the filters to clean the water before it is distributed to customers. Carbon filters 5, 6 and 7 were scheduled to be replaced this week.

“If we see an increase in capacity, we will know it had something to do with the old carbon,” he said. Carbon filters 5, 6 and 7 were already scheduled and budgeted to be replaced this year.

Filters 1 through 4 were replaced last year. Each filter is capable of treating 794 gallons a minute. At least five filters are needed to create an adequate quantity. Guthrie said the new carbon filters are the same as ones being replaced. It’s possible debris buildup in the filters is slowing production. All other steps in the water treatment are working.

“When you have extended dry periods and extreme heat the plant struggles to keep up,” he said. “It’s been perplexing.”

Guthrie is prioritizing the filters.

“It’s not a simple solution if it’s the underdrain system,” Guthrie said noting the complexity of repairing that portion and still providing water. “Then we will have some decisions to make.”

In other water news...

What is known as the center water tower in Uptown Creston will be worked on July 17 to remove antennas.

The board approved a payment of $345,507 for work on the 12 Mile intake. The project is scheduled to be complete in early August. The board approved various preliminary legal and financial documents in preparation for an extensive water main replacement project next year estimated at $5.7 million.

Board member Mark Eblen was not in attendance.