THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 2, 1995 TAG: 9508020003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
``Again: millions to fix Chesapeake water'' (Another View, July 19) contains incomplete information and misleading implications. The drinking water in the Chesapeake municipal system currently meets all health standards required by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency.
During dry periods, especially when south winds force brackish water up from the Currituck Sound into the Northwest River, the drinking water becomes salty. The water is still suitable for all other home uses. A water quality hot line, 547-6360, is available 24 hours a day for an update on the chloride and sodium content. WFOS-FM radio also reports this information.
New EPA standards require water suppliers to upgrade their treatment processes. In order to meet those mandates, Chesapeake has chosen to use membrane technology. It has been proved to be the answer to proposed federal standards and the salt-intrusion conditions in our Northwest River plant.
This technology will allow us to meet EPA requirements and end the annoyance of salt intrusion in the Northwest River. A ``yes'' vote on the November bond referendum will enable the city to upgrade the treatment plant in the most cost-effective manner, borrowing $72 million instead of $78 million.
The treatment-plant upgrade is scheduled to be completed by July 1998. Funding by referendum will allow the improvement to be financed at the lowest cost to water customers.
Another component of Chesapeake's water-resource-management plan is the aquifer storage and recovery system (ASR). ASR currently holds more than 318 million gallons of water. During dry conditions, this water is used. It is acting as our underground reservoir.
We welcome an opportunity to meet with civic or other groups about the bond referendum. Contact the Public Information Office, 547-6241, or the Public Utilities Department, 547-6356.
AMAR DWARKANATH, director
Department of Public Utilities
Chesapeake, July 24, 1995 by CNB