Water Quality
May 2024 Water Quality Concerns – Chlorine Levels
On or around Sunday, May 12, 2024 the City received complaints regarding high levels of chlorine smell in the potable water system. When these reports were investigated, it was discovered that a high level of chlorine had entered the system, starting sometime late on Saturday May 11th. This was caused by two issues that we would like to share with our customers to abate on-going concerns about the water quality here in McCleary and explain what we are doing to correct it.
First, was human error. The readings were not interpreted correctly when equipment was showing that chlorination injection was not occurring within the correct operating range. The second issue was automated equipment and sensor failure. The chlorine feed pump has a sensor that determines what the chlorine levels in the water are. That sensor was fouled and reading incorrectly, causing a higher than expected dosing of chlorine into the system.
Corrective Measures Taken
The City has taken corrective actions to address this reoccurring issue with equipment. First, the Water utility has revised the equipment alarm set points to alert operators when water treatment and pumping is not within acceptable ranges. Second, a logbook of chlorine levels has been added to the after-hours procedures to confirm levels, and alert operators if a problem may exist before it reaches higher levels and impacts water quality within the distribution system.
The city has also been in contact with the state department of health (DOH) to discuss the actions taken, and confirm our solutions are sound. We will be partnering with the DOH, our water consultant engineers Gray and Osborne, and our SCADA programmer to evaluate the solutions and safeguards that were put in place. This audit will help immensely to stabilize the points of concern and confirm that appropriate solutions and procedures have been created.
We strive to create clean, safe drinking water for our customers and will continue to keep our customers informed when issues arise. If you have any questions or additional concerns, please contact the Public Works Director, Chad Bedlington, at (360) 495-3667 or via email at chadb@cityofmccleary.com.
