Water facilities need upgrade

The city is investigating options for replacing its aging water treatment facilities.

City Manager David Ortiz-Hernandez presented two options to the City Council Tuesday night for these facilities. One is a large centralized facility, which will service the entire city, and the second is a treatment site next to each well.

The cost of these options has not been determined at this early stage, Ortiz-Hernandez said.

Treatments that have to be considered include contamination 1,2,3 TCP, found in industrial solvent, cleaning and degreasing agents, paint removers and some soil cleaners and pesticides.

Nitrates, from fertilizers and animal/human wastes in groundwater, also need to be removed by the system.

The cost for treatment systems cost more if treatment includes 1, 2, 3 TPC and nitrates, Ortiz-Hernandez said. In 2018, the state lowered the allowable levels of these chemicals in drinking water.

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna suggested that the council look at a long-term solution. "We still don't know what the real cost is," Reyna said.

In other business, Mariana Gonzalez Sobolewski was approved to fill the spot on the Measure X committee left vacant by newly elected Councilmember John Pallares.

Additionally, the Wasco High School members of the girls' Cross Country team were recognized and commended for their championship season.