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Commissioners approve reverse-osmosis filters for three annex offices to reduce bottled-water costs
Summary
The board authorized installation of point-of-use reverse-osmosis systems for the auditor, dispatch and health department offices in the county annex to replace bottled-water purchases and reduce equipment failures caused by hard water.
Decatur County commissioners on Oct. 6 approved installing point-of-use reverse-osmosis (RO) filtration systems for three annex offices—dispatch, the health department and IT/auditor offices—to reduce ongoing bottled-water purchases and protect workplace appliances from hard-water damage.
Staff described current costs: the health department spends about $360 annually on bottled water; dispatch consumes several cases per month. County facilities staff and IT said hard water contributes to frequent appliance replacement (coffee machines and similar devices). Facilities staff proposed installing local RO systems at the end of each office’s line rather than treating incoming building water.
The cost for three RO systems was presented at roughly $7,790 total with annual filter replacements estimated around $506; staff said the installation would generate a first-year net savings compared to bottled-water purchases and reduce maintenance on equipment. Commissioners approved the installation for the three named offices and asked facilities staff to survey adjoining offices to see whether additional connections could be done cost-effectively.
Staff will schedule installations and return with any recommended expansions to other offices if plumbing connections permit consolidation.
