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Vanlue officials flag water‑system maintenance, EPA deadline after softener testing shows severe fouling
Summary
Village Administrator Leo Hendricks reported Hempy Water’s lab results showed severe fouling of both softener media; staff will meet vendors Dec. 30, EPA set a completion date of March 31, 2025, and the village included a lagoon treatment quote in the 2025 budget.
Village Administrator Leo Hendricks told the Vanlue Village Council on Dec. 23 that water‑system testing showed significant problems that will require near‑term work and budgeting.
Hendricks said Hempy Water collected media samples from both softeners and the initial laboratory reports indicated “severe fouling.” He said staff will meet with Hempy Water and the media firm on Dec. 30 to review results and to consider options and approximate costs for cleaning or replacing the media. Hendricks said the village notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the softener testing and the tower plan; the EPA moved the completion deadline for the work to no later than March 31, 2025.
Council also heard that lagoon pond treatment is planned next year; the village received a quote of $11,033 to treat all three ponds and has included that amount in the 2025 budget. Hendricks advised council that staff must update the five‑year utility pro forma to evaluate possible rate increases and capital needs, including meter replacements, tower maintenance and painting, softener repairs, line leak repairs and higher chemical and utility costs. He said 16 delinquencies were recorded this month with no disconnects and that 55 people have signed up for text/email alerts; Paystar use for November collected $4,929 from 45 customers (about 25% of customers).
Hendricks also reported that the mayor is forming a committee of community and business representatives to develop the Source Water Area Protection Plan (SWAPP) necessary for grant reimbursement timelines; some reimbursements will require prioritization for a June deadline. The village was also awarded a PEP Insurance Safety Grant; Hendricks said the anticipated check will allow purchase of roughly $925 in road‑construction and safety signage.
Officials said they will return with vendor recommendations and cost estimates after the Dec. 30 vendor meeting; the EPA deadline and lagoon treatment quote are the most immediate items for budget and operational planning.
