Two updates regarding our water system. First, the usual boil water notice. Any time the system is depressurized, due to loss of power from the storm damage, the state requires the water be tested for bacterial contamination. Samples will be taken early this week and likely returned by Wednesday. There was no major break or digging involved and our water is chlorinated. Regardless, this is a required precautionary measure.
Second, we had our state inspection of the system which resulted in the detection of a torn screen on a vent pipe that has since been repaired. We’ve attached the required public notice here.
Overall, we were lucky with the storm, having no major tree damage and no bitter cold to deal with during the power outage. A small generator and a single transfer switch can be cheaper than a plumber to repair frozen pipes. It’s something to consider given the proximity to trees in our area’s power grid.
NOTE: We don’t run the water distribution system during outages via generator because our septic systems are mostly pump driven. Without the septic pumps (too many to run via generators) the systems would flood and eventually back up into homes. That’s a horrible outcome for anyone that has ever experienced it, so we’re not going to contribute to the problem. You may notice that several of the pump station alarms will go off when the power is restored. This is due to their sensors detecting the systems are overfilled. They overfill due to toilet flushing by manual means. We all fill buckets of water and use them, but even this much smaller amount still fills them up quite well. They seem to handle it quickly once power returns, and we’re not asking to avoid manual flushing, this is just for your information and understanding.
SGCC Board and Operations