Is the water safe? Click here for a WPB Water Q&A.
Nov 21, 2007 - Newsletter
West Palm Beach Water System Questions and Answers
Q: Is the water in West Palm Beach safe to drink?
A: Yes. According to the Palm Beach County Health Department, with the exception of the 9 day contamination event of September 2007, West Palm Beach water has historically met and continues to meet acceptable standards for drinking.
Q: What are city officials doing about improving our 100 year old water plant?
A: Two years ago the Mayor and City Commissioners ordered a complete review of the water system. Since that time, a twenty year plan has been recommended and phase one improvements have been designed and are ready for bid. The proposal, which is about to undergo further review, includes $53 million for direct improvements to the water treatment plant.
Q: Is the City spending money on downtown projects like City Center instead of improving the water system?
A: Both downtown revitalization and water plant improvements have been among top priorities of this administration and those projects do not compete for funding. Money for improvements to our water system comes from two primary areas, an enterprise fund that is supported by customers paying water bills and grants from outside agencies. Downtown projects like the new library and waterfront park are being funded by the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency. Under state law, those dollars must be spent on downtown redevelopment projects and cannot legally be spent on water plant issues. The new city hall is being built using bonds being paid for by assorted general revenues of the city, not including property taxes, and should eventually pay for itself once the current city hall site is sold and redeveloped.
Q: What was the reason for the recent boil water notices?
A: The September boil water order was most likely the result of bacteriological contamination primarily attributable to the short-circuiting of the disinfection system through an old pipe thought to be abandoned or removed during water plant construction modifications in 1994. The pipe is now disconnected. The more recent two day boil water order in the south end of the city was due to a drop in water pressure when a valve was inadvertently closed during maintenance at the water plant. No contamination was found during the second event however state law required a boil water precaution a following drop in water pressure.
Q: What about the laundry?
A: A local laundry still remains under investigation as a potential contributing source of contamination to the water. Illegal cross connections that could cause contamination were found and now are disconnected.
Q: What is the City doing to assure the public that water service will be reliable?
A: City has hired US Water Systems Corporation, a highly regarded professional team to temporarily take over the operation of the water plant. They are reviewing all aspects of the water system, including maintenance, operational procedures, engineering, training and staffing. This evaluation is being done with full oversight and approval of the Palm Beach County Health Department.
Q: What is the next step?
A: The City is taking corrective actions as recommended including needed repairs, maintenance, training, and new staffing at the water plant.
Q: Are more boil water notices possible?
A: As the intense and comprehensive review and upgrade of the water system takes place, disruptions to water service are possible. The city is doing everything possible to avoid service interruptions.
Q: How can I stay informed about the water situation?
A: If there is an urgent situation regarding the water, the City will continue to immediately and accurately inform residents through reverse-911 phone calls. Water customers with questions or concerns can also call the City’s 24-hour hotline at 561-822-2222. Information regarding water is also available on wpb.org and by watching West Palm TV (Comcast Cable channel 18). You are also encouraged to sign-up for our city connect e-mail newsletter (at wpb.org) which provides accurate information on a variety of issues and events occurring within your hometown.
