Auburn BPW Notified Longs Creek Project Moving Onward

The Longs Creek Water Supply project continues progressing as fast as possible from the standpoint of the Auburn Board of Public Works (BPW). The board was updated Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Alan Slater, water and wastewater manager, indicated dirt work has been completed on the creek bank. Rock has been hauled to the location of the filter system to prepare setting the water treatment unit. Bank stabilization was planned either Friday, Feb. 20 or the week of Monday, Feb. 23. Electrical work is underway. There may be possible delay with materials. Slater noted the project will likely be online Friday, May 1.
The water and wastewater manager stated monitoring wells and pumping levels continues. Pumping levels are holding above average.
Action Items
Purchase of an upgraded turbidmeter at $36,035.61 from Hach Company was allowed. The enhancement, which was budgeted, was needed to accommodate changes in the water treatment system.
A turbidmeter is an essential, high-precision scientific instrument used to measure the cloudiness or haziness of liquids caused by suspended solids.
A protection plan to restore wastewater treatment plant blowers to warrantable condition was accepted. It is 36-month option at $26,372.71 with the latitude to negotiate if the company gives a 3 percent per year discount up to 60 months. The board considered options of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. Blowers are warranted for 12 months after service.
Revised Drought Contingent Plan
Slater related he contacted Wichita State University representatives. They will present thoughts on how the board can alter the utility’s plan. The water and wastewater manager shared particulars. Items discussed included the river, level and depth of wells, the aquifer and ways of looking at potential water sources. There will be no cost to BPW. The board expressed appreciation to Slater on his efforts. Tamara Westhart, accounting and finance manager, said she has had interaction with university staff. It is at the forefront or leading edge of progress.