By WILL KANGAS
October 30, 2011
MASON - The Mason City Council has approved two separate repairs dealing with water problems.
One city wells has been shut down since July because a test came back to show that there was the presence of bacteria.
City Manager Marty Colburn said staff tried three times using different methods to chlorinate the Park Street but failed to pass tests for cleanliness.
Colburn stressed the bacteria found would not present a danger to city water users.
"This isn't bacteria that resembles E. Coli or any of the more infamous types," he said.
City staff had an evaluation done by Water Systems Engineering, Inc. to determine where the bacteria was coming from and to make a determination if the well was being contaminated from surface water or if it something in the well bore.
Colburn said the report states the bacteria growth is from sediment in the well bore, and there are sections of the screen that are plugged and growing bacteria.
The report also gave suggestions of how to remedy the problem, which would require a professional process.
Three contractors were contacted to get quotes for this cleaning process and the bids came back on Oct. 7.
The low quote came in at $3,745 as submitted by Layne Christensen Company, Colburn said.
The other quotes were much higher at $7,499.69 and $13,250.
"That's because some of the companies would have to lease special equipment to do the job," Colburn said. "That increases the price."
The Mason City Council also approved repairs for the storm drain in front of the city library.
The cost, done "in-house" with help from a construction company, will cost $12,735.
Colburn said the drain has been a problem in the past, especially during heavy storms. The water would not drain and cause flooding in the library basement.
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