May 3, 2007

May 6 to 12

Water utilities, customers celebrate drinking water week

By LOU PENDLETON

Along with other water utilities across America, Bryan Municipal Utilities is celebrating National Drinking Water Week, May 6 to 12, as an opportunity to join with customers to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.

“We take for granted that when we turn on the faucet, the water will be there for us to use,” said Norman Echler, Bryan Water Department superintendent. “We designate this week to remember our good fortune to have a safe, abundant supply of drinking water."

The Bryan Board of Public Affairs on Tuesday passed a resolution recognizing National Drinking Water Week and the importance of the MICHINDOH Glacial Aquifer as our sole source of drinking water. The board also thanked Bryan Municipal Utilities for its role in providing clean, safe water to the citizens of Bryan for the past 115 years.

The Bryan Water Department has completed a wellhead protection program and is currently pursuing a sole source aquifer designation for our aquifer in effort to protect the water resources not only in Bryan, but also in the tri-state area.

“The research that we have recently completed shows that the recharge area for our local well fields extends as far north as Hillsdale, Michigan. So, we must broaden our area of concern beyond our immediate wellheads in order to protect our source of water,” said Mr. Echler.

“Our research also confirms there are no economically feasible alternative sources for safe drinking water should our source become unusable. For Bryan, the cheapest alternative source would be the Tiffin River and the infrastructure would cost at least $24.8 million.”

In addition to being stewards of water resources, Mr. Echler said water utilities must also be stewards of distribution infrastructure. Bryan water department has outlined a plan for the next five years that calls for more than $250,000 per year investment into the system to replace water lines, hydrants, meters and valves to keep the water system in good condition. This summer the water department has three water main replacement projects planned.

Mr. Echler said city tap water delivers many things: public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy, and quality of life. “If we can begin to think about the value of water in these areas, we’ll have a better understanding of why we need to care for our water resources and systems.”