The City of Cornelia says the switch from its old water treatment plant to its new one has stirred up issues with how the city’s water tastes and smells.
Customers have recently complained about a change in their drinking water. City officials attribute the problem to “growing pains” that come with operating a new building and computer system. “The employees at the water plant are now using new technology in a new facility with all new equipment,” says Cornelia Community Development Manager Jessie Owensby.
Utilities Director Keith Ethridge says a high service pump at the plant has faulted a number of times for different reasons causing surges in Cornelia’s water distribution system.
“The surges are anticipated by a valve which dumps the water back in the clear well (storage tank) at the water treatment plant. When this happens a flow reversal occurs causing years of naturally occurring sediment to suddenly be stirred up and react with the chlorine giving off a bad taste and smell,” Ethridge explains.
Owensby assures Cornelia water customers the water is safe to use and drink, despite being unpleasant to the senses.
City engineers are working with the contractor and valve manufacturer on a solution and expect to have the problem resolved soon. Owensby asks for customers’ understanding as “we work out the kinks and get used to the new system.”
Cornelia water customers with questions or concerns should contact City Hall at 706-778- 8585.
