Hulbert officials: Water not up to standards

By TRAVINA COLEMAN
Press Staff Writer

June 12, 2009 12:54 pm

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HULBERT – The Hulbert Town Council and Public Works Authority adopted a resolution Thursday at their regular meetings, declaring that conditions at town’s water plant haven’t been up to Department of Environmental Quality Standards for a couple of months.
“It’s the water intake valve,” said Mayor George Truitt. “It’s stops up when the rain causes the creek to rise, and that means higher levels of turbidity.”
“It’s not hazardous to anybody’s health,” said Ed Beckman, town trustee.
But Truitt did say the condition causes the whites to get darker in the wash.
“While it may not be hazardous, it’s important that the water treatment meets the standards for the DEQ, and to ensure quality water to the residents,” he said. When the creek causes the intake valve to rise, Truitt said the Rural Water District No. 11 has been “great” about selling the town water, when needed.
“We appreciate it,” he said. “But it has to be fixed. They still need water to serve their own customers.”
The resolution passed quickly and unanimously, to waive the bidding process.
“We are now just looking for a good price, and getting it done ASAP,” Truitt said.
Other items on the agenda approved included operating budgets, OMAG insurance health plans, OMAG property protection plans, municipal liability protection, and workers’ compensation.
The HPWA also approved the placement of the work experience program. Run through Department of Human Services, it pays a participant $10 a day toward education work experience.