Chambana Sun

The Village of Homer is considering plans for a new water treatment plant.

"We have looked into other options just to make sure we cover our bases," Mayor Jim White said at a recent Village Board meeting. " But I feel I think the majority of the board feels that this is to keep our water system in-house is ideal. And the previous boards and mayors for the past 15, 20 years have worked ourselves up to this, meaning that to me, our water is the best commodity we've got to provide for our citizens. And the previous boards have stepped ahead of us and made the path a little bit easier, made some tough decisions"

The village  needs to consider a new water treatment plant for the village soon as its current facility is around 70-80 years old and is not providing sufficiently for the community. The board has been gathering information on building a new facility and any new systems that might improve efficiency and quality, as well as prices for all these projects, which it hopes to vote more firmly on in January. 

A team of engineers made a preliminary presentation to the board based on a recent appraisal of the facilities and some possible plans for the future. The report shows that the wells and tanks in the facility are still in good condition and working quality, but that the village will have to work on its treatment facility as well as distribution water mains. 

The report from the engineers can also be submitted as part of the loan application if the village applies to a grant program by the EPA for this project. The new facility recommended was very similar to the current village setup, with a few additional processes for treatment that are new and upgraded methods. The recommendation levels also take into consideration the decreasing growth in population, but allows room for 10% population increase from the current operating levels.