Bacteria may force reservoir switch

Cyanobacteria levels are higher than normal in Creston Water Works’ Three Mile Reservoir. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that cyanobacteria can cause health problems for humans and pets.

Creston Water Works General Manager Steve Guthrie reported that the water plant is treating the water properly and the levels are being monitored at the regular monthly meeting Tuesday.

Water is tested before, during and after treatment. No unacceptable levels have been found during or after the water has been treated. If the cyanobacteria continues to be high in Three Mile Reservoir, the plant will switch to using the 12 Mile Reservoir, Guthrie said.

Unaccounted water loss

Up from 0% in recent months, the Creston Water Works reported a 12% unaccounted water loss for the month, bringing the yearly average to 3%. Guthrie said a one month increase is not a cause for concern, but if it continues into next month it will need to be addressed.

“One month is not a pattern,” Guthrie said. “We try to keep it around 10%. If we’re still around 12% next month, we will start looking for a leak.”

Employees

A new Grade 4 operator has been hired and will start work Monday.

Two water works employees, Cory Luther and Bob Hower, have completed self-study courses to be eligible for the Grade 1 distribution exam. Luther passed his exam and is now a certified operator.

Other water works business

• Nine bacteria samples were collected throughout the area; all were bacteria free.

• Online bill pay is now functional with 29 customers using the option.

• Lead and copper sampling —required every three years — has been completed. Results should be available in Sept.

• After a closed session, the board voted to have Lynch Dallas, a law firm in Cedar Rapids, continue negotiations on the Southern Iowa Rural Waterworks agreement.

• The Water Works agenda will now include a line item for public comment each month to allow citizens a time to speak if they have concerns.

Creston Water Works Board of Trustees meets monthly 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.