Wallsburg reports temporary chlorination after water‑system mapping error; SCADA alarms under review

Wallsburg Town Council heard an update Sept. 5 on recent trouble with the town water system that briefly produced unpleasant-tasting water after crews reworked piping and valves during the ongoing water‑system project.

Council members described how mapping errors and valve configuration during transfer to a new upper tank allowed chlorinated, stagnant water to be pushed into the distribution system and then drawn back in when flow reversed. Town staff responded by opening hydrants to flush mains and adding measured chlorine doses to the tanks; staff said the distribution system is being monitored and that residents may notice a temporary chlorine taste.

Council members also reported recurring false alarms in the SCADA system that monitors tank levels and pressure-control valves (PRVs). The town scheduled a technician to repair those false alarms and said manual overrides were being used in the interim. Council members identified a potential additional cost for SCADA repairs and said the town may need a replacement battery backup for the control system after a recent power outage.

No boil-water advisory was issued; council members said the water was safe but not palatable until flushing and treatment reduce the residual taste. Staff said they have been adding controlled doses of chlorine (described in meeting as dosing to maintain approximately 1 part per million equivalent in affected tanks) and continuing hydrant flushing while cutting over remaining meters to the new main.

Council members asked staff to report when the SCADA system is repaired and when taste and odor complaints subside.