Water and Wastewater Notes for Dec 2023

As December was marked by consistent maintenance efforts and operational milestones, wastewater and water plants in Cape Charles treated 6.53 million gallons.

Wastewater Plant Highlights:

• Last month, wastewater plants treated an impressive average of 210,494 gallons per day, culminating in a peak day on December 17, 2023, with a staggering 630,000 gallons treated.
• The cumulative output for December reached 6.53 million gallons.
• Despite routine maintenance across the plant and collection system, the overall operation remains robust. The Mason pump station faced a minor setback, prompting the use of a bypass pump. The necessary pumps and parts have been ordered to restore normal station operation.
• Throughout December, utility staff conducted approximately 26 mark-outs per week, indicating the ongoing construction activities in the area.
• Veolia, in collaboration with plant staff, undertook upgrades to the plant membrane programming, enhancing overall efficiency.

Additionally, utility staff successfully repaired a water leak on a broken water meter located on Madison Ave, demonstrating their commitment to addressing issues promptly. Multiple meetings with Virginia American Water were conducted to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Water Plant Manager Updates:

• The water plant’s routine maintenance processes, including filter backwashing and softener regenerations, were diligently performed to maintain optimal operation.
• Daily water quality testing and analysis, along with the collection of bacteria samples for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), showcased the commitment to ensuring water safety.
• For the week of 12/22-12/28, the water treatment plant (WTP) operated for 78.75 hours, producing 1,260,088 gallons, with an average daily production of 11.25 hours and a peak production of 229,320 gallons on 12/24/23.
• The following week, 12/29-1/5, saw regular maintenance processes, daily water sampling and testing, and the pumping of the sludge pit.
• Monthly reports revealed that the WTP operated for 79.75 hours in December, producing 1,288,000 gallons, with an average daily production of 11.39 hours and a peak production of 237,560 gallons on 12/31/23.