Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Quality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews Pitcher well test showing high chloride and manganese; orders further flushing and follow-up
Summary
Councilors reviewed lab results for the Pitcher well that showed chloride and total dissolved solids above cited limits and manganese above the cited threshold; they directed staff to run the well longer, repeat sampling, and pursue funding and contractor follow-up.
Unidentified Speaker 1 presented laboratory results from the Pitcher well and said the sample showed elevated levels that warrant additional testing and follow-up. "Our chloride is pretty high there, 471. The high limit is 250," the speaker said, and reported total dissolved solids at about 1,350 where an EPA limit of 1,000 was cited. Turbidity was reported at 11 and manganese measured about 0.09 (the comparison limit mentioned was 0.05).
Council members discussed short-term steps to reduce suspended solids and evaluate water quality before bringing the source online. Unidentified Speaker 1 said the well has been sitting and recommended running it for an extended period to flush out sediment: "I think we should probably run another one... I'd like to run some water and then what you can see everything we had to sample for... our manganese is our other problem right there." Members agreed to run the well for a week or longer to observe whether turbidity and dissolved solids decline.
The council also directed staff to pursue funding avenues for treatment if manganese remains elevated. Unidentified Speaker 5 noted grant or funding options could be available and told staff to forward results to Sarah Page for assistance on potential funding. Members raised laboratory logistics — including the need for special sample bottles from the state lab — and assigned follow-up calls: contact Ben Harker about sampling plans, contact the state on nitrate sampling requirements and bottles, and contact the engineer/contractor on project progress.
Separately, members criticized limited responsiveness from the contracted engineering firm and discussed whether to request more engagement or to transition deliverables to another engineer if progress does not improve. The mayor summarized next steps as running the well longer, repeating samples for chloride, manganese, TDS and turbidity, and pursuing contractor and state follow-up. The council did not adopt a regulatory finding or formal treatment plan at the meeting; staff were asked to report results and funding options at a future meeting.
