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    Complaint

    38191
    WPC
    12/11/2015
    Phone
    Discoloration/Appearance/Particulates
    12/11/2015
    18-JUL-2019 08:37AM

    Location based on SITE_ID

    Site ID
    99368
    Site
    Wartrace Water System
    Location
    29 Main Street
    City
    Watrtace
    Description
    -
    County
    Bedford
    EFO Name
    Columbia
    Site Owner
    -

    Investigation Results

    Issue Resolved
    12/11/2015
    Wartrace Water System
    12/11/2015

    Complaint Description and Writeup

    Mike Harris, a customer of the Wartrace Water System, contacted this office on December 11, 2015. Mr. Harris was concerned about orange, rusty water at his residence at 211 Main St. Wartrace, TN. Mr. Harris stated that he and his wife had moved into an older home in Wartace back in the fall. The internal plumbing in the house had been replaced with PVC within the last few years. Shortly after moving into the home they had experienced ruined laundry and noticed excessive staining on fixtures. They have installed a point of entry (whole house) filtration system that removes the rust. However, due to the excessive levels it is required to be flushed frequently. Mr. Harris stated that he was not so much concerned with his home as he has the means to treat the water and remedy his problem, but is concerned in general about his neighbors who do not have the means to install a treatment system having to use the water.
    I explained that the Division is aware of the periodic rusty water issues in Wartrace and that the system has been replacing lines as they are able. I further explained that iron (or rust) is considered a secondary contaminant and that although rusty water is unappealing it is not considered a health concern.
    Mr. Harris said he appreciated the information. When I asked if he wanted someone to make a site visit he said he did not think that would be necessary. I told him I might be in the area in a couple of weeks and asked if he minded if I visited to check up on the situation. He said that would be alright.
    I then called and spoke with the operator for the system, Chuck Stephen. Chuck reported that the section of water line serving the Harris’ residence was indeed an older line and was intended to be replaced. However the city is relying on grants to make the needed replacements. Chuck said that flushing has been increased in the area but that the hydrant nearest the Harris’ is an older hydrant that will not accommodate an automatic flusher and it must be manually flushed.
    Chuck Stephen was replaced as the operator for the system in late December. Howard Walls was hired as the new operator. I met with Howard on January 7th at his office in City Hall. During our meeting I mentioned the rusty water issue.
    After the meeting with Howard I visited the Harris residence and spoke with Mr. and Mrs. Harris. During my visit the water from their taps appeared quite clear. They indicated that the filtration system was working well. However it required being regenerated daily. I noticed that the supply line to the treatment unit was somewhat opaque tubing. It appeared to be orange stained on the inside of the tubing, suggesting heavy iron in the supply water from the city main. The house did not have any water taps that were not supplied by the treatment unit. I was unable to directly confirm water quality before the treatment unit. I attempted to speak with the neighbor across the street, which Mr. Harris expressed a concern for, to collect an untreated sample but no one was home.
    While I was there I again relayed the city’s intent to replace the aging cast iron water mains but was limited by relying on grants to finance the projects. I left my card and contact information and told them to contact me again with any further water quality concerns.
    If you have any questions or comments, call us at (615) 532-0287 or email the TDEC Help Desk at BG-Help_Desk@tn.gov.