The board approved a $22,125 proposal from EcoWater Systems to replace water-softener resin in the jail’s water-softening system.

Facilities staff said the system’s resin, last replaced in February 2018, had declined and was producing hard water. The hard water was increasing maintenance needs for flush valves, dishwashing, and the chiller system. The director said the resin replacement should extend the useful life of the current softener units for another five to seven years; the three existing resin tanks treat roughly 35,000 gallons of water per day for that facility.

This purchase was unbudgeted, the facilities director said, but the cost can be covered from the facility commissary account so regular operating funds are not required. The board approved the resolution and authorized the chair to sign.

Why it matters: Soft water is necessary for proper operation of dishwashing, plumbing fixtures and cooling systems; failing resin was driving maintenance and operational issues at the jail.

What’s next: Facilities will proceed with resin replacement and plan for eventual replacement of the softener system in 5–7 years as part of capital planning.