There have been questions about the status of our progress in developing potable water in compliance with the Oregon Drinking Water Program at Bear Creek Water System. I will share what I can in this blog post to provide as much information regarding the status of our treatment plant project as possible.
First, we have not ruled out the use of any of the water sources at our disposal. Those sources are the water flowing in Callow Creek and two groundwater wells. Please be assured, however, that we are working with the Lincoln County and State of Oregon Health Departments to move forward with approved sources that can be used to provide safe drinking water for the water system.
For the Callow Creek source, we have selected ultrafiltration (UF) as the best process for treatment. In combination with chlorination, UF is a reliable way to ensure that safe drinking water is provided through our distribution system. A UF unit made by Seccua that is large enough to meet the entire demand of Bear Creek water system is currently being manufactured while we continue working with our engineering firm to complete the design of a system for the approval of the Oregon Drinking Water Program.
We are committed to meeting the time line agreed upon in our bilateral agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to provide safe drinking water at Bear Creek water system. Considering that time line and other potential construction issues, delayed construction of the treatment plant may be more ideal. Consequently, Hiland is also exploring the viability of using groundwater wells in the short-term to supply the water system.
When Hiland began its Regency of Bear Creek Water System in January 2011, all sources were in use because the combined supply could not produce enough water to keep up with demand. Water demand was very high because of the large number of leaks within the distribution system. As Hiland has made improvements to the distribution lines, demand has decreased substantially. Currently, the two groundwater wells yield enough water to meet demand for the entire system. While both wells produce water that is considered safe to drink, one of the wells produces water that, in its raw state, exudes an unpleasant odor as well. After some research, Hiland has been testing a process to eliminate the odor and has found success. The majority of our office and field staff have tasted the well water to ensure that Hiland does not end up distributing unpleasant smelling, although safe, water to the residents at Bear Creek Water System.
We believe that the availability of three water sources that can provide safe drinking water at Bear Creek Water System will ultimately be beneficial to everyone involved. Backup sources are always helpful when unforeseen failures occur. Again, we thank all residents at Bear Creek Water System for your perseverance while we work to provide safe drinking water as soon as possible!
Silas
