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Malden board approves $23,190 variable frequency drive to address chlorine swings in water system
Summary
At a special Oct. 7 meeting, the Malden Board of Public Works approved purchasing a $23,190 variable frequency drive (VFD) to stabilize inconsistent chlorine levels in the city’s distribution system and authorized advertising for engineering qualifications; staff will follow up with the DNR about wells and a possible manganese-removal grant.
The Malden Board of Public Works approved the purchase of a variable frequency drive (VFD) on Oct. 7 to address widely varying chlorine levels in the city’s water-distribution system.
Public Works Superintendent Kurt Krepps told the board that recent chlorine readings are inconsistent ‘‘we cannot regulate our chlorine, we're either way over or down below where we need to be,’’ and that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended installing a VFD to reduce the pull on the well and help stabilize flows.
Utility Director Ivone Smith presented a vendor quote and recommendation. Smith said the city received a quote from Vandevanter Engineering for a VFD priced at $23,190 and recommended the board approve the purchase and advertise for engineering qualifications. ‘‘If it can be utilized, DNR has a 100% grant to remove manganese…DNR opens the grant on March 6, 2025 and this is a 10 million dollar grant to get rid of the manganese,’’ Smith said.
Board Member Stone moved to approve the Vandevanter VFD purchase for $23,190; Board Member Woods seconded and the motion passed. The board also voted, on a motion by Woods and a second from Stone, to advertise for qualifications for engineering firms to assess and address the system’s technical needs.
Board President Clark Duckett said the next step is to select an engineering firm and meet with staff to scope whether the work will focus narrowly on the immediate chlorine-control issues or encompass a broader system assessment. Utility Director Smith said she will follow up with the DNR about well #1 and well #2.
The special session convened at 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center, and the board adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
