Board hears water-plant efficiency and communications upgrades; manager eyes Class B license

Water/Wastewater Manager Dustin Smith told the board the water plant's dehumidifier has been adjusted to pull less water per minute and said staff are considering adding a closed-loop system to reduce water use further; Smith estimated the closed-loop would cost about $24,000. The board recorded the estimate and did not take a purchase vote at the meeting.

Smith also reported that a new effluent meter has been installed at the water plant, a variable frequency drive (VFD) has been installed at Well 7 and communication equipment for the well has been relocated. He said the board discussed the possibility of running fiber-optic communications to the wells during the planned raw water line upgrade. Smith added he is considering pursuing a Class B license for the wastewater plant and would need to attend a nine-day class in Macon in August; the board scheduled a water plant tour at the first meeting in September.