Water and Wastewater Snapshot as of Jan 12

The following is a quick look at water and utility management–maintaining the town’s water supply, sewage systems, and utility infrastructure.

Here’s a snapshot of the week ending January 12th activities:

The Water Plant staff performed routine maintenance tasks, including filter backwashing and softener regenerations. Daily water quality testing and analysis ensured that the water supplied to the town met the highest standards.

In compliance with regulatory requirements, monthly reports were submitted to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and quarterly reports were completed and sent to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Operating for a total of 75.75 hours during the week, the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) maintained an average daily operation of 10.8 hours. The WTP produced an impressive 1,045,670 gallons of water, with approximately 136,000 gallons dedicated to essential processes. The average daily production stood at 149,381 gallons, reaching a peak of 169,250 gallons on January 8, 2024.

The Utility Maintenance Manager and the team were actively engaged in various tasks. Six Miss Utility tickets and markouts were conducted, ensuring the safety of ongoing construction projects. Daily station checks were performed, with specific attention given to the Heron Pointe pump station, where a full servicing of the vacuum pump took place.

Responding to calls, the team successfully unblocked a sewer line at the town office. An after-hours callout on January 9, 2024, addressed a low vacuum issue, highlighting the dedication to rapid problem resolution. A storm-induced power outage required staff’s assistance in bringing the Heron Pointe and New Quarter vacuum stations back online.

Despite facing low vacuum issues at specific locations, including 113 Creekside Ln, 120 Creekside Ln, and 5 Palmer Landing, the staff resolved these concerns. Staff also addressed a call regarding a sewage drain issue at 517 Walbridge Bend, confirming no issues on the town’s side of the sewer pit.

Ongoing efforts to maintain the system’s integrity involve regular checks and addressing backflow preventer tests by contacting relevant companies.

The Wastewater Plant Manager reported an average treatment of 251,573 gallons per day, reaching a peak of 412,254 gallons on January 10, 2024. Routine maintenance of the plant and collection system was conducted, with a temporary bypass pump in use at the Mason station while awaiting ordered parts for a full resolution.

Utility staff remained active in conducting markouts, addressing construction-related challenges, and coordinating with Virginia American Water. Storm-induced issues at vacuum stations were promptly corrected, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire wastewater system.