Wallsburg water system update: new tank filled, leak testing underway, bacteria test pending

Wallsburg public works staff reported on Nov. 7 that the new water tank has reached capacity after roughly a month of operation and that leak testing began the day of the meeting. Staff said chlorination and flushing were completed and that they were awaiting the results of a third bacteria (coliform) test before finalizing commissioning.

According to public works, the new pump has been installed and chlorinated; staff asked a contractor to repair a faulty flow meter so the system's readings are accurate. A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installation is scheduled and coordination with the electric utility (Rocky Mountain Power) is underway to complete power hookups. Staff also discussed legacy systems and whether the old tank could be repurposed for irrigation or other uses, but noted potential regulatory and operational complications if another water provider were involved.

Public works said a recent low-level coliform detection prompted targeted chlorination and flushing and that the sample later passed after corrective actions. The staff member cautioned that low coliform detections can reflect minor sediment or transient conditions rather than an acute health hazard but confirmed the town took standard corrective steps.

What's next: complete the leak test, confirm the third bacteria test result, repair and commission the flow meter, finalize PRV hookup with Rocky Mountain Power, and prepare the system for normal service. Council thanked staff for the work and noted they will waive erroneous meter overcharges that appeared during meter changeovers where meters read incorrectly.

Quotes: “We finally got the tank full last night… they started their leak test today,” the public works representative said. “I had to chlorinate a little bit… to where we passed the test.”

Ending: Council asked staff to follow up on outstanding operational items and report status at the next meeting.