Water sampling shows elevated fluoride; county to pilot RO treatment and assess options
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Summary
Well tests at several county sites returned fluoride readings above common targets; the board heard plans for a reverse‑osmosis pilot test, discussion of permitting challenges and a recommendation to consider deeper wells plus treatment as county policy options.
Public utilities staff presented well‑sampling results showing elevated fluoride measurements in several rural wells and a request that the board set a target fluoride standard to guide planning for treatment. Staff reported sample readings ranging from about 0.7 mg/L at one site to spikes above 2.0 mg/L at others; county consultants and Dr. Spruill are scheduled to run a pilot RO treatment unit and will return with design recommendations.
County management briefed the board on regulatory issues: the DEQ permitting process could require a discharge permit or environmental alternatives analysis for some treatment options, and pilot testing outcomes will inform whether the county should pursue RO systems, deeper production wells, or interconnections with neighboring systems. Commissioners asked staff to prioritize a pilot and return with cost, permitting and disposal/discharge plans.
Separately utilities staff said meter replacement is nearly complete (about 97%); the hydraulic study also recommends siting a new 300,000‑gallon tank at the existing site to improve pressure and reliability across service areas.
