Providing reliable service is the driving force behind current upgrades to the Monroe County Water Treatment Plant.
Katherine Zaiger, director of Bloomington Utilities, said new chemical feed lines are being installed, which will help disinfect the water supply. Some of the existing lines are 25-30 years old.
Related: How is Lake Monroe protected from chemical, biological and physical toxins?
Zaiger said the plant is long overdue for upgrades.
“So, we’ve experienced some failures in the lines recently, but we have back-up lines for this reason, which is why we have not had an interruption in service,” Zaiger said.
The plant will also receive new back-wash pumps, which help clean water filters. New LED lights will also help conserve energy. The plant will also receive upgraded fluoride lines to improve dental hygiene.
Funding for improvements comes from funds paid by customers.
Zaiger said old systems will not be immediately replaced so that the plant can avoid service interruptions.
“We do have a plant that is getting older,” she said. “We want to make sure we are continuing to be a reliable and resilient water source.”
A $5-milllion contract was awarded to Thieneman Construction for the project. Upgrades are scheduled to wrap up by the end of next year.