Still looking for water quantity problem

An already scheduled maintenance project at Creston Waterworks treatment plant did not change the limited water production issue noticed by officials in recent weeks.

Since the week of June 19, Creston Waterworks noticed about 4,100 gallons of water has been produced per minute, short of the desired 4,500 gallon amount.

“Changing out the carbon did not have any effect good or bad. We are in the process of procuring portable flow meters to continue troubleshooting the issue,” said Creston Waterworks General Manager Steve Guthrie on Friday.

Three of the seven carbon-based filters were replaced earlier this month with the hope of increased water amounts. The other four filters were replaced last year. Despite the forecast of summer heat this week, Guthrie said he does not see any problem with supply.

“With our current reserve capacity, even though it’s reduced, we do not anticipate any issues meeting demand next week,” Guthrie said Friday.

Since the problem was detected, Creston Waterworks and Southern Iowa Rural Water Association have asked their customers to voluntarily conserve water. Creston Waterworks provides water for SIRWA until SIRWA’s own treatment facility opens next year. Guthrie said he is appreciative of people’s conservation efforts.

Each filter can treat 794 gallons a minute. At least five filters are needed to produce an adequate quantity. Guthrie said the new carbon filters are the same as ones being replaced. The speculation was debris buildup in the filters was slowing production. He said all other steps in the water treatment process are working.