A $13 million infrastructure investment to bring the Spencer water system into full regulatory compliance nearing completion.
Warren County Utility District General Manager Anthony Pelham said some 80 percent of the county currently meets all Stage 2 disinfection byproduct standards following recent system improvements.
“We’re continuing to work on it every day and as I said we’ve made great strides and expecting to have completion within the next year,” Pelham said. “We are behind on the one project at the river but we are working on it every day and, you know, just very proud of my staff and all the people that’ve made the efforts and really appreciate the patience and support from the community that we’ve had thus far.”
Pelham said three of the four active construction contracts are currently ahead of schedule or nearing completion. Pelham said a specific project at the raw water pump station intake on the Caney Fork River has faced delays due to environmental factors and equipment flooding.
“The lines, the tank upgrades, everything else will go into service for the system and no hold up to them,” Pelham said. “It will delay being able to pull water out of the river which means we’ll have to use the lake probably another six months to a year.”
Pelham said the remaining work involves a $10 million regionalization grant and $3 million in American Rescue Plan projects funded by Spencer and Van Buren County.
Pelham said the utility district is currently working with the contractor on corrective measures to establish a modified timeline for the intake station. Pelham said the delay will not impact the safety of the water currently being provided to residents.
“We’ve been given nearly $13 million worth of grant projects to complete and construct before September of this year, taking over all of the employees, operations, staff, customers, billing, compliance, all of the permits for everything, and then trying to deal, you know, and make sure we maintain and keep the water on,” Pelham said. “So it wasn’t a matter where we were able to shut it down, fix everything, and then turn it back on, we’re having to fix it while we’re still providing service.”
Pelham said the utility is an autonomous entity governed by a five-member board rather than a political subdivision of Warren County or Van Buren County. Pelham said the district functions as a specialized utility provider similar to an electric or natural gas cooperative.
“There’s been at least some social media and various comments made that Warren County was invading and taking over Van Buren County and Spencer facilities which is just a complete inaccurate statement,” Pelham said. “Warren County just happens to be in our name.”
Pelham said the southern portion of the system near the Piney Brockdale communities and Baker Mountain Road remains the only area marginally outside state limits. Pelham said the utility is being cautious regarding new growth and expansion in those specific southern areas until the projects are finished.
“Once again it’s a matter to meet code and meet sanitary conditions and the water all be safe, and then it’s a matter that we produce it at a level that we want so that it’s as good as it can be for our customers,” Pelham said.
Pelham said he expects the system to reach full completion and total compliance within the next year.
