City Temporarily Supplementing Water Supply
May 16, 2008 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(Friday, May 16, 2008) As a temporary measure intended to supplement existing water supplies and help reduce the impact of dry weather on protected species at Grassy Waters Preserve, the City of West Palm Beach will be accessing water stored in the L-8 reservoir beginning the week of May 19, 2008. The move is being made with the full support and cooperation of the South Florida Water Management District.
The L-8 reservoir water will be blended with water from other sources and will be treated in accordance with strict standards. It is expected that West Palm Beach water customers WILL NOT notice any change in the quality or taste of their drinking water as a result of the L-8 water use.
This temporary measure will help support the Everglades snail kite bird population in Grassy Waters Preserve. This protected species relies on apple snails as a primary source of food, and sufficient water levels in the preserve are critical to apple snails.
It is expected that the City will cease accessing water from the L-8 reservoir once the South Florida dry season comes to a close.
City Water Customers on twice-a-week Watering
Apr 10, 2008 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(Thursday, April 10, 2008) With the approval of the South Florida Water Management District, the City of West Palm Beach will be allowing all City water customers to water their lawns twice a week beginning Friday, April 18, 2008. The City had previously been on once-a-week yard watering restrictions. The decision to go to twice-a-week yard watering affects all residents in the City of West Palm Beach, the Town of Palm Beach and the Town of South Palm Beach.
Under the new restrictions, homes with odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water their lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Homes with even-numbered addresses will be allowed to water their lawns on Thursdays and Sundays. Watering is permitted between either 12:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or between 4:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
Beginning April 18, the City will decrease its water use surcharge. As mandated by City ordinance, customers who use more than eight units (approximately 6,000 gallons) of water per month will face a 20% surcharge on the amount of water they use in excess of the eight units. This surcharge will be included in utility bills.
Complete water restriction information can be found at wpb.org. Residents who have questions or notice water-use violations are asked to call the City’s 24-hour hotline at (561) 822-2222. Water customers can also get more information through West Palm TV (Comcast Cable channel 18).
“Free chlorine” treatment ends for all City water customers
Feb 20, 2008 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(Wednesday, February 20, 2008) The City of West Palm Beach has ended the temporary use of the free chlorine disinfection method for all of the City’s water customers. Water is now being treated using the “chloramine” (pronounced “chlor-uh-meen”) disinfection method, which was the City’s standard treatment method prior to recent free chlorine treatment.
“We have made significant progress in our efforts to improve the quality and reliability of the City of West Palm Beach’s water,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel. “The process of upgrading our entire water system will continue to be a priority.”
The City had continued to use the free chlorine treatment method in recent weeks due to repairs and upgrades being made to a storage tank, and not because of bacteria levels in the water. The expert group that is currently operating the water treatment plant, U.S. Water Services, says the overall water quality has been greatly improved in recent months.
Residents with questions may call the City’s 24-hour hotline, 561-822-2222.
City announces hiring of new Utilities Director
Feb 14, 2008 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(Thursday, February 14, 2008) Mayor Lois J. Frankel is pleased to announce that the City of West Palm Beach has hired Yasser Abouaish to be the City’s Director of Public Utilities. Abouaish is expected to begin his duties on February 19, 2008.
“Mr. Abouaish brings tremendous experience and expertise to the Department of Public Utilities and the City of West Palm Beach,” said Mayor Frankel. “He will be an excellent addition to the City’s team as we continue to improve the quality of our water and deal with our ongoing drought.”
Abouaish has 25 years of experience in water management, having working in both the public and private sectors. He has experience in program development, engineering, planning and design, system construction, operation and utility management. Abouaish was recently the Senior Program Director of Earth Tech, Inc., an environmental, water and wastewater firm. From 1996-2005, Abouaish was employed by the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Water Works, most recently as Water Superintendent.
Abouaish has a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cairo University in Egypt.
“Free chlorine” treatment extended by one week
Feb 13, 2008 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(02/13/08) In accordance with a program recommended by the Palm Beach County Health Department, the City’s altered water chlorination methods will be extended by one week, from February 14, 2008 to February 20, 2008.
The current extension is necessary so that crews can continue repairs and upgrades in a water storage tank and is not due to bacteria levels in the water.
Continuing on February 14, 2008, a “free chlorine” water treatment will be used to provide a somewhat stronger disinfection process than the “combined chlorine” treatment which is normally used. The City will revert back to the “combined chlorine” method on February 20, 2008.
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and South Palm Beach Utility customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during this period; however, these temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. Tropical fish tank owners, hospitals and residents with pools should be aware of the chlorination changes and make adjustments accordingly. Any questions should be directed to the City of West Palm Beach Central Operations Center, (561) 822-2222.