Water projects continue in Creston

Detours on Cherry and Adams streets will continue, with construction scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

A quiet meeting of the Creston Waterworks Board of Trustees Tuesday provided updates to a variety of projects within the city, including a reminder on an annual disinfectant change in city water.

Division 1 of the water main improvement project, which includes water mains in the Uptown area, is likely to push construction into 2026. Divisions 2-4 are still expected to be complete by the end of the year. Creston Waterworks approved pay applications for the progress made in two divisions of their water main improvement project.

A pay application for the progress made on Division 1, which covers construction on Adams and Montgomery streets, was made to United Utilities for $106,921.66.

Another pay application was approved for the progress made on Division 2, which covers construction on Cherry Street, to C&J Conservation for $84,035.92. A concern was raised about water mains potentially breaking from this construction. An example of a main damaged on Cherry Street was used.

General Manager Steve Guthrie addressed the concern, saying the damaged main was due to an “extraneous source” which was a fire at a residential home. Guthrie said construction will keep the system functional and safe with adjustments to water pressure as the project continues.

Waterworks will receive the first part of an estimated reimbursement from the utility’s loan which is being spent on improvement projects. At the time of the meeting and with all expenses presented so far, the utility will be reimbursed $484,042 in RSF funding. Out of the utility’s cash reserves, only $101,374 will be used.

Guthrie said this reimbursement over the course of the project’s lifespan will cover about 81.5% of construction costs which don’t include the engineering cost.

From Sept. 14 to Oct. 13, Creston Waterworks will be changing the disinfectant used in their distribution system from chloramines to free chlorine as part of our maintenance program. This is a regular annual process. During this time, a chlorine smell, similar to a swimming pool, in drinking water might be noticeable.

Ensuring the safety of the process, called burnout, Guthrie said this will help oxidize the water and clean the system. If discoloration is spotted in the water, Waterworks recommends running the water until it clears.

In other waterworks news...

Creston Waterworks approved the audit for their fiscal year 2025. Finances remain similar to the previous year, with the only issue being internal controls which is common for utilities and businesses with small staff.

The date for November’s regular meeting will change to avoid a conflict with Veteran’s Day. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at the Waterworks Business Office.