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Isanti staff urges replacing failing mixed-oxidant chlorine system; long-term plant still years away
Summary
Staff told council the city's mixed-oxidant (Miox/Myox) chlorine-generation unit is past salvage and recommended replacing it with a system that has regional service support; the city also discussed taste/odor questions, conservation and a multi-million-dollar treatment plant plan.
City staff told the Isanti City Council that the local mixed-oxidant chlorine (Miox/Myox) generation unit is failing and that repairs are impractical, prompting staff to recommend procuring a replacement that can be serviced from the Midwest region.
Speaker 3 identified the immediate problem plainly: "That tank cannot be saved," and explained the Miox units typically last seven to nine years and are difficult to source and repair locally. Council members asked whether the Miox system could be causing water taste and odor complaints; staff responded that the raw-water source and treatment-plant chemistry are the primary drivers of taste while mixed oxidants can help reduce scum in distribution piping.
Why it matters: water-treatment technology affects both water safety and customer perception. Staff highlighted two operational constraints: the specialized vendor network and the extra time and cost for out-of-region repairs, and the long lead and funding timeline for a planned mechanical treatment plant.
What was said and asked: - Failure and replacement: "That tank cannot be saved," staff said, and staff asked council to expect a replacement recommendation soon. - Taste and treatment options: A councilmember asked, "Does that generation system have any sort of negative side effects on the water versus using real chlorine?" Staff explained mixed oxidants provide hypochlorite plus byproducts that help clean scum in pipes and that a report on "breakpoint chlorination" and taste/odor is being drafted to share with the community. - Vendor and repairs: Staff acknowledged prior repair efforts required flying technicians and said the city will recommend a system with Midwest-based service to reduce travel and downtime. - Long-term plant and funding: Staff reiterated a ballpark $23,000,000 estimate for a mechanical treatment plant and the hoped-for funding mix (roughly $7,000,000 grants, $8,000,000 debt, $8,000,000 cash), and emphasized early engagement with PFA and other funders to stay competitive.
Customer experience and local reports: staff and council recounted local taste issues; one staff speaker said bluntly, "My water's terrible. Just horrific. Fill up the tub and it literally sits Brown." Staff promised more detailed analysis and a communication package for the community.
Next steps: staff will bring a complete replacement recommendation and a written report on breakpoint chlorination, taste/odor findings and procurement options at an upcoming meeting; no change to service or emergency boil orders was issued during the session.
