SIRWA to end Creston water use next week

Creston Waterworks board was informed Tuesday by General Manager Steve Guthrie Southern Iowa Rural Water Association will activate its water treatment plant next week ending decades of use of water provided by Creston.

The shift to SIRWA treating its own water will change operations for Creston Waterworks.

Guthrie said based on the contract that expires in January, Creston Waterworks had received about $1.5 million a year in revenue from SIRWA. Expenses related to providing for SIRWA were about $1.4 million a year. The contract stated SIRWA pay about 75% of the expenses at Creston Waterworks plant. That eventually influenced SIRWA to build its own water treatment facility.

Construction on SIRWA’s plant east of Creston along U.S. Highway 34, visible from Creston Waterworks plant at Twelve Mile Lake, began in fall 2021. During that time, there have been negotiations between the two for a mutual aid agreement during emergencies. An agreement has not been reached. SIRWA has been using Creston water since the 1970s.

Guthrie said the water valves that provided SIRWA will only be closed, and not dismantled, should there be a need for SIRWA to need Creston water in the future.

The shift will also provide more ideal time for Creston to further research its water shortage issue. In June, amounts of finished water were not at desired levels. The amount of water was never a threat to customers. Analysis of the of the plant did not immediately find a suspect cause. Guthrie said without working with the volume of water needed to also provide SIRWA, he expects a time where the plant can be further studied to find the problem. He did not know of a timeframe of the work.

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Guthrie said he is waiting for additional details about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan under the Biden Administration that dedicates funds nationally to replace lead water pipes that are still in existence. Lead pipes for water pose a health threat through lead poisoning. Guthrie said he is aware of only $15 billion for the nation’s work. Guthrie’s said Iowa needs about $1.53 billion to replace its lead pipes. The work is intended to be done over 10 years. He estimated at least a $1 million will be needed to replace pipes in Creston. Guthrie said it’s possible Creston Waterworks could do the work.

The board approved a bid for having a cloud-based data system valued at $94,393. The board compared the bid to an on-site system bid that would require a computer software upgrade in about eight years. Guthrie said cost of the on-site system was minimal difference to the cloud. The cloud-based system can be remotely accessed. Guthrie said the cloud-based system has adequate security to prevent cyberattacks. The cloud-based system has a $150 monthly fee.

Board member Melissa Driskell was not in attendance.