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Village reviews well repairs, VFD failures and PFAS treatment timeline
Summary
Staff reported a lightning strike that damaged variable frequency drives at village wells, a WPS voltage study and contractor/AECOM reviews; granular activated carbon units for PFAS treatment are scheduled for delivery around Thanksgiving and Well 3 pilot results make the village eligible for a Safe Drinking Water loan.
Village utility staff reported recent electrical damage to well equipment, ongoing diagnostic work, and progress on PFAS treatment installations.
Michael (staff member) told the board a July lightning strike damaged VFDs (variable-frequency drives) at the well site and took both wells out of service temporarily; warranty replaced parts for one well and well 8 is back in service while well 7 remained disconnected pending a voltage study by WPS and an electrical review by AECOM. "We had a lightning strike there in July. So It took out both DFTs, so both wells were down. It was covered by, warranty," Michael said. Staff emphasized the need for a thorough review to avoid repeat failures; AECOM and the contractor Econ Electric are reviewing the installation and WPS is performing a voltage/grounding study.
On PFAS and treatment plant upgrades, staff said granular activated carbon (GAC) tanks for PFAS treatment were expected to be delivered around Thanksgiving; the Well 3 iron/manganese pilot study is complete and its final report has been submitted. Michael said completion of that pilot allows the village to apply for a Safe Drinking Water loan through the state for Well 3 operations and to include emerging contaminants funding in the project justification.
Why this matters: the well electrical failures affected water production and raised questions about equipment grounding and system susceptibility to power events. The PFAS treatment schedule and access to low-interest loans will determine how the village finances and phases treatment work.
Action and follow-up: staff will track the WPS voltage study and AECOM's review and bring results back to the board; delivery schedules for GAC tanks will determine construction sequencing at the treatment plant.
