Some city wells receive second violation

City water wells serving three local businesses and a residence were issued a second violation from the state after nitrate levels tested above state standards, but city officials say city residents and rural water district users shouldn't worry.

Beatrice officials reassured the public during the Board of Public Works meeting Wednesday that water supplied to users within the city limits of Beatrice and residents living in the rural water district was safe.

“This is not affecting the water inside the city limits,” Jim Bauer, city administrator and BPW manager, said.

The BPW Wednesday also increased the installation charge for a 1-inch water tap by $75.

A second violation on wells serving Koch Nitrogen, Agrium, Farmer's Cooperative and one resident was issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services after samples tested at 11 parts per million in nitrate, one ppm above the 10 ppm allowed, Steve Kelley, BPW water superintendent, said. The samples were taken in July.

Water service to customers within the city limits and the rural water district was found to be OK.

“The water we're drinking in town is well below 10 parts per million,” Kelley said about wells serving Beatrice and rural water district users.

The BPW's monthly nitrate and gallon reported that In July the nitrate levels for the north reservoir were at 4.7 ppm and the south reservoir were at 3.8 ppm, Kelley said. The total number of gallons pumped in July was 88.08 million.

Those four customers affected by the violation have been notified, Kelley said.

Nitrate only affects children younger than six months of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Since the wells serving Koch Nitrogen, Agrium, Farmer's Cooperative and the one resident recorded a second violation with 12 months, the city was also issued an administrative order, Bauer said. The first violation was issued in April.

Under the administrative order, the city has to hire an outside engineer to determine what steps need to be taken to correct the problem.

Corrections could include placing a reverse osmosis system or connecting the four customers to the rural water district, Bauer said.

The water will continue to be monitored and will be tested again in three months.

In other business, the BPW on Wednesday increased the installation cost of a 1-inch water tap by $75 to $950, effective Oct. 1. The price hike resulted from increased and material costs, especially as the price of copper and brass continues to increase, Kelley said. The last increase was two years ago.

Last year the water department installed 29 new one-inch water taps for an average cost of $918, he said. Because the cost of a 1-inch tap was at $875, the BPW usually lost money on long taps.

The 3/4-inch water tap cost will remain at $850.