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Winneshiek supervisors approve aid to Frankville water district to install polyphosphate system
Summary
Board approved one‑time county assistance to the Frankville/Frank Noble water district for equipment and installation of a polyphosphate chemical injector to reduce iron staining; the request was quoted during the meeting as '45100' and discussed by supervisors as roughly $4,500. The motion passed unanimously.
Representatives of the Frankville/Frank Noble water district told the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors that recurring iron and rust in water from two wells has persisted since the treatment project began in 2016 and that the Iowa DNR and rural water advisors recommended adding an ortho‑polyphosphate feed to control discoloration.
"We have a concern that's been going on for quite some time with the iron and rust in the water," said Theresa Berg, speaking for the water board, and described testing and DNR contact that led to the recommendation to add the chemical and an injector. Presenters said the system would require an injector, a pump, a small scale and tapping the main for feed, and that the DNR must approve construction and permitting.
The county was asked to provide one‑time assistance that was recorded in the meeting as "45100." During discussion supervisors and presenters estimated ongoing chemical costs at roughly $100–$110 per month (about $500 per year) and noted the district could absorb small recurring costs in time. One supervisor later described the request as about $4,500 when placing the ask in broader budget context.
After questions about alternatives, DNR readiness and whether the district could defer installation, Supervisor [unnamed] moved to approve the requested expenditure to help fund the injector, scales and related equipment; another supervisor seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously in favor.
The board did not attach conditions beyond the usual permitting and procurement steps; presenters said DNR staff indicated the project would not require a full engineer assessment because of its small scope. The district indicated it will work with the Iowa Rural Water Association and DNR to complete permitting and installation once funding is in place.
The board’s action was a one‑time appropriation; ongoing chemical costs were discussed as likely to be passed through to local users via the district’s monthly rates, which presenters said would be feasible for their 53 households.
