*UPDATE
January 16, 2023, 5:00 pm
City of Emporia Water Treatment Plant crews and vendor representatives were successful in restoring full operation to the Ozone System on Monday.
After a failed PLC unit was reported on Saturday, January 16, 2023, city crews worked over the weekend to sync the ozone system. A logic expert from the vendor was on site on Monday, January 16, 2023 to assist in the effort.
Residents can expect water to return to normal by tomorrow evening. Outlying areas may take longer.
**
January 16, 2023, 12:43
The vendor is on site troubleshooting the issue with the ozone system.
The Water Treatment crews continuously monitor disinfection, pH, and turbidity (cloudiness) of the finished water. Additionally, they take samples at various stages of the plant processes to access different measures of water quality, such as hardness and river turbidity, on a routine of every 2 to 4 hours.
For State and Federal disinfection compliance, the crews take 25 bacteriological samples on a monthly cycle. These are spread out in various locations in town. These samples are tested to ensure there are no harmful bacteria or viruses in the distribution system.
**
January 16, 2023, 8:10 am
The city has a conference call scheduled with the ozone system vendor this morning. An update will be released after the call.
**
January 15, 2023, 5:03 pm
City crews continue efforts to work with the vendor to restore the ozone system at the Water Treatment Plan to full operation.
The disinfectant level in the water is the same as that of the water prior to the ozone system issue. Residents are experiencing a difference because the ozone system that is under repair removes the compounds causing taste and odor.
The water is safe and meets KDHE standards.
**
January 15, 2023, 9:45 am
City crews continue efforts to work with the vendor to restore the ozone system at the water plant to full operation.
The water is safe. While the city uses chlorine as the primary disinfectant, residents may notice a different taste or odor associated with their water until the issue is resolved.
The water treatment plant is still meeting KDHE standards with this disinfectant change.
Thank you for your patience as the city works through this issue.
Thank you to the city crews who are dedicated to providing the community with quality water.
**
The City of Emporia Water Treatment Plant is experiencing issues with the ozone system. The plant remains in full compliance with KDHE by using chlorine as the primary disinfectant until the issue is resolved.
City crews are diligently working with the vendor to correct the issue.
During this time, with the plant in full compliance with KDHE standards, residents may still experience a difference in taste and odor of the water.
City officials will keep residents updated on the situation as it evolves.
