Marion leaders approve ammonia injection for safer water
Written by Jerry Engler
Tuesday, 16 November 2004
Marion City Commission approved a water plant upgrade Monday to allow ammonia injection use with chlorine that will make city water safer for humans to drink, although it will be toxic to aquarium and pool fish.
Street Superintendent Marty Fredrickson said city employees will replumb a pool built with the original plant in 1964 under guidance of Kansas Rural Water Association, which will cost no extra because Marion belongs to the association.
The upgrade, which City Manager David Mayfield termed "small" in comparison with future required upgrades, must be completed by Jan. 1 to keep the city compliant with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations.
Fredrickson said the ammonia upgrade will cost $2,000 or less for equipment, and, Mayfield added, it should require a $3,000 measuring tool.
Mayfield expected KDHE to begin continuous monitoring of chlorine and water clarity through the Internet with the water plant accessed through the computer now at the city shop.
Fredrickson said the city will want written KDHE approval of the project as proposed before moving ahead.
The commissioners approved moving ahead 3-0.
Fredrickson said the city also will be required to send out a KDHE violation notice letter informing residents that by-products in the water have exceeded acceptable averages.
In answer to Commissioner Jim Crofoot asking about water safety, Fredrickson said, "When chlorine kills bacteria, it leaves a by-product.
If you drank three liters of water with by-product a day for 70 years, you might have a one in a thousand chance of dying from cancer."
Mayfield, Fredrickson and Public Works Director Harvey Sanders were to meet Wednesday with Scott Wetzel, engineer with Bucher, Willis and Ratliff, to discuss further water-plant upgrades. Wetzel is expected at the next commission meeting to answer questions.
Mayfield reported he has been meeting with a person to discuss relocation of a manufacturing business to Marion that he will report on next week.
Sanders said Christmas lights are ready to turn on the day before Thanksgiving.
Linda Holub was commended for receiving her new city clerk certification plaque after recently completing classes in Wichita.
The commissioners approved a $10 credit on any residential electric bill for December for any customer who signs up at the city office certifying they will put up Christmas lights.
Commissioners approved the October utility billing tie out, and transferring $58,080 from utility to capital improvement fund
