Hardening of the arteries affects city's water system

Line replacement, over time, is the proposed solution to low water pressure

Adam Roark, engineer for the city of Siloam Springs, and Tom Myers, Siloam Springs wastewater manager, discussed the Blu PRO filter.
Adam Roark, engineer for the city of Siloam Springs, and Tom Myers, Siloam Springs wastewater manager, discussed the Blu PRO filter.

— Gravette City Council members at their recent committee meeting were shown what is an “unseen” problem that can affect municipal water systems.

Cory Reardon and Larry Buffer, who operate the city’s water and sewer departments, displayed a segment of a two-inch water main which showed the extent of corrosion and mineral deposits that can impede the flow of water through the system.

The segment of pipe, which was installed more than 50 years ago, was almost entirely blocked with mineral build-up.

Gravette’s water distribution system is probably not unique, with blockage in water mains. Mains that have not been upgraded or replaced since they were installed decadesago all are subject to a similar problem.

Gravette’s initial water system dates to the early part of the last century and though those lines and many later lines may have been upgraded or replaced, problem areas are possible.

Gravette’s problem is more unique than systems in many towns because of the mineral content in water from deep wells that served the city for many years. Those wells were put on-line in the 1950s. The water they produced contained a high iron, sulfur and limestone mineral content.

A filtration system installed several years later eliminated the sulfur odor and taste problem and lessened somewhat the problem of mineral deposits. Gravette now receives its water throughthe Benton-Washington County Water System (Two-Ton). Decatur and Gentry are also both connected to the system, as are rural extensions from all three cities.

Buffer showed a section of the two-inch pipe that was replaced with a larger line. The mineral buildup in the pipe allows very little water to flow through. The close-up photo graphically shows the problem.

Buffer indicated there are numerous lines in the system which, if examined, will show such mineral buildup. This decreases water flow and pressure to customers. Corrosive deposits also can break free causing potential damage to metering systems as well as to household systems and appliances.

He indicated that such lines need to be considered for upgrading, which no doubt would becostly, but doing much of the work in-house could lessen the financial handicap.

Each town has its own particular needs in relation to upgrading lines. Adopting a systematic scheduling of such upgrading, as finances permit, is a logical approach toward solving any problems that might exist, he indicated.

News, Pages 7 on 07/27/2011