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Town says water system odor traced to mixing during tank work; SCADA, battery backup under review
Summary
Councilors described a temporary taste-and-odor issue caused when work on the new tank and pump mapping pulled chlorinated, stagnant water into the distribution system; the town is treating lines and troubleshooting SCADA false alarms and a possible battery-backup problem.
Wallsburg officials told the town council on Sept. 5 that a recent smell and taste issue in the municipal water supply was caused when contractors attempting to fill a new upper tank inadvertently drew chlorinated stagnant water back into the distribution system.
Town staff said crews flushed hydrants, added chlorine at specified dosages, and have been monitoring the system to re-establish normal water quality. The town told residents that water remains safe to drink but may briefly taste or smell of chlorine while the system clears.
Councilors also reported recurring false alarms in the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system that monitors tank levels and pressure. Staff said a technician has been scheduled to diagnose and repair sensors and logic that have triggered spurious alerts and required manual overrides on a pressure-reducing valve serving a subdivision.
Separately, councilors raised the town’s backup power capacity. During a recent power outage the system’s battery backup did not operate as expected; council members asked staff to review the battery-backup condition and whether replacement is needed.
No formal vote was taken. Town staff said they will continue daily chlorine dosing until test results show normal residuals and will update the council on SCADA repairs and any battery replacement recommendations.
