Water District Solves Trihalomethane Problem

THM's and HAA's are down, that is the good news from the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District. That means that the total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acid concentrations in Cedar Key's drinking water are now in compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Superintendent James McCain reported to the District Commissioners that pilot tests of a magnetic ion exchange system (MIEX) effectively treats Cedar Key drinking water for removal of undesirable chlorine compounds. During January and February, problem compounds were reduced to as much as fifty percent of the EPA's maximum allowable levels. McCain recommended purchase of the MIEX equipment at a price of $397,200.

The MIEX system passes the water through a tank of minute resin spheres, thereby removing dissolved organic carbon molecules that would otherwise combine with chlorine used to disinfect drinking water. (The chlorinated carbon-based molecules make the water unsafe.)

Todd Shaw, representing Moss-Kelley, Inc. and the manufacturer of the MIEX system, explained the system and methods of financing the purchase. He also answered questions about the maintenance and operation of the system. The system can be delivered in twelve to fourteen weeks. Board member made a motion to move forward on purchase of the MIEX system. The motion passed four to zero.

In other Water Board business, the potential impact of the Marsh Harbor development with 359 proposed dwelling units on the nearby District well precipitated a request to have the attorney for the District draft a letter of concern to the Levy County Commission regarding the high density of the development. Also, a 26 item capital improvement plan was presented to the Commission by District Engineer Jack Hotaling. The combined cost of improvements to the wastewater and water facilities is $2,804,000. Severn "big ticket " items are over $185,000, with the biggest item at $430,000 for new water mains and nine fire hydrants from the vicinity of the Cedar Key School to Piney Point. Money from bond issues or the Capital Facilities Fund is possible mean to pay for the proposed improvements.