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Wichita waterworks: clarifier repairs on schedule; staff aim for September handover and June performance testing
Summary
Public Works reported progress on clarifier coatings and repairs at the new water treatment plant, outlined a sequential performance‑testing acceptance (PTA) plan for three water sources and multiple clarifiers, and said plant turnover remains targeted for September if weather and PTAs permit.
City staff updated the council on repairs and the schedule for taking over the new water treatment plant.
Gary Janssen (Public Works & Utilities) and a project presenter, Ron, said most repair materials are on site and that coatings work—delayed in some cases by weather—remains the primary impediment. The team plans sequential performance testing (PTAs) across three water sources and six clarifiers; the earliest clarifier (SCC 3) is close to returning to service and will be part of the first PTA. If PTAs pass, staff expects to take possession in September and operate the plant through roughly six months of optimization before bringing it online for peak summer demand.
The presenters emphasized contingency planning: they have PTA 9–12 mapped to avoid duplicating prior tests and allow retesting where needed, and they highlighted that coatings work is the rate‑limiting task. Council members asked about concurrent PTAs, and staff clarified PTAs are sequential by source but can test multiple clarifiers concurrently within a PTA window. When asked about Cheney Reservoir levels, staff said Cheney is in the flood pool (above conservation pool), which is favorable for operations and testing.
Staff also noted ongoing training and optimization that used a temporarily modified clarifier to evaluate processes and chemical usage, and they committed to monthly briefings as the schedule evolves.
