02/22/16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Receive Presentation of Municipal Water Supply's Consumer Confidence Report City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He introduced John Nelson, Utilities Supervisor. Utilities Supervisor Nelson explained there are eight deep ground wells. The City has a capacity of 80 million gallons per day, if needed. He distributed a chart depicting the amount of water pumped, and when over the last year. He noted much of the water usage is in irrigation. Board Member Lewis asked if all the usage he mentioned was City water. He asked if there is any idea of what the usage would be with private wells. Utilities Supervisor Nelson answered he was referring to City water in the usage he mentioned. He said there is no way to determine the usage from private wells. He explained most private wells are not in the same aquifer as they are shallower than the deep ground wells. He said the average usage is 100 gallons per day per person, though this is simply an average. Water usage due to irrigation adds to this amount. Board Member Lewis questioned if there is a breakdown of city water versus wells. City Planner Anderson responded there are approximately 8500 households and approximately 4000 are on wells. City Civil Engineer II Linton confirmed the number is relatively even between well water and city sewer services. Acting Chairperson Valentine noted his well is at about 215 feet deep. He asked if that is typical. Utilities Supervisor Nelson replied his well is about 210 feet deep, and this is very typical. He asked if Acting Chairperson Valentine has a lot of iron in his water. Acting Chairperson Valentine answered he did. Utilities Supervisor Nelson commented all of Anoka County has iron in their drinking water. He explained chlorine gas is added for disinfection. Staff takes 10 samples every month and sends them to separate labs. There has not been a bad sample. He said he checked with the previous Supervisor and when he oversaw the department, there were no bad samples. He said a chemical called LPC5 is an aqua phosphate solution which suspends iron. Iron is heavy and runs through pipes slow. Ramsey does not currently have a water treatment plant. It is very expensive to have one. The City is looking into a surface water system. The City flushes the water mains twice per year to lessen the iron. It is safe to drink. Fluoride is added, which is a state mandate. The City uses a SCADA system, which is a large computer system to monitor the water system. Many samples are taken through out the year and sent in. He also noted there is no lead in the city water of Ramsey. He pointed out the City cannot be in control of plumbing repairs in individual homes, and there could be lead in old solder. He showed reports for many years back showing satisfactory water tests and the numbers are under the state limits. Environmental Policy Board / February 22, 2016 Page 2 of 6