RIPON'S WATER SYSTEM - AN UPDATE

Here is a summary of recent news and releases on the Ripon water system:

WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES PROPOSED
In February, the Common Council agreed to submit an application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for a water and sewer rate increase. Water rates would increase around 11 percent, while sewer rates will increase just under 5 percent. These will be the first increases in three years. These increases are due, mainly, to future investments in the infrastructure of the systems. The proposed rate increases are summarized in the attached documents, which can be found here.
BROWN WATER
The City Water Department began flushing hydrants on October 1, 2007 and it has resulted in many of our customers experiencing “brown water”. The brown is from iron and manganese in the water. The purpose of the flushing is to clear our lines of the build up of these materials. Even when we are flushing in another part of the city the deposits could get stirred up in your area. The brown water is not harmful to health although it is not recommend that it be used. The customer should run a faucet until it clears. This may take some time. The city is doing what it can to reduce the build up of these minerals in the system. The flushing is one of the steps.
CITY OF RIPON TOOK WELL #9 OUT OF SERVICE
During recent years, testing of well #9 (located on Ripon’s west side) has shown rising levels of Trichloroethylene (TCE), which can potentially cause health concerns. When test results last month revealed that TCE levels were no longer considered acceptable, the City removed this well from service to its municipal system. The City is now working with state and federal agencies on plans to treat the water for TCE’s, and, while we were hopeful to have this well back in production before the end of the year, it appears a new well will not be dug until later this year or early 2009.