Oliver Springs utility staff: no TDEC violations remain, pumping steady and pipeline projects underway

Utility staff briefed the Town of Oliver Springs Water Board on operations, compliance and capital work during the June 3 meeting.

The chair reported an improvement in the town’s water loss rate: "Looks like our water loss rate's down about 45%," the chair said. Staff confirmed the distribution system has seen no collection-system overflows for March through May, a notable change after historical overflow problems.

Staff reported that the treatment plant is producing roughly 650–660 gallons per minute and that recent monthly water sales were about 8,590,000 gallons; staff estimated that generated roughly $123,000 for the month compared with a budget target near $115,000. Staff also told the board that TDEC conducted a performance audit in March, identified one minor violation (a sample incubator temperature outside allowable limits), and that the town purchased a new incubator to clear the issue.

On capital work, staff said the 10-inch water line on Ritchie Drive (CDBG-funded) has been completed and closed out; work has started or will start soon on projects including a 6-inch line on Rohn Street (ARC project), an 8-inch relocation on West Tri County Boulevard, and repair/payment work on Airport Road pending contractor billing. Upcoming in-house projects listed included Ridgeview Drive and Willow Springs.

Staff also described operational changes affecting meters and telemetry: the town plans to order antennas for additional collectors rather than install costly tower antennas, and the customer portal is available for usage history and ACH/autopay signups. Staff reminded customers of the new leak-insurance procedure and the two-claim allowance under the new policy.

Staff said state-required consumer-notification steps (CCR posting and newspaper notice) are scheduled in June. The board had no further substantive comments and moved on to the budget discussion.