Water conservation urged

Hot weather, expanding industry and residential growth are straining the water and sewer systems in Perham.

The city is urging voluntary water conservation on the part of the public and businesses.

The city is stopping short of legally enforcing water restrictions, but at the rate things are going this summer, that could be the next step.

Two of the city's pumps are working at full power, 24 hours a day, said Merle Meece, public works director.

"Water flow for May...(was) the highest usage since I have been here," stated Meece in this monthly report to the Perham City Council. In May, the high volume was attributed mostly to industrial use. Residential growth, and excessive watering of lawns, are also major factors.

"It's climbing a lot faster than other years," said Meece. In recent weeks, water volume has reached 1.6 million gallons a day--a rate that historically isn't reached until later in July. Normally, consumption is around 800,000 gallons per day. Maximum capacity is about 2.2 million gallons a day, said Meece.

The increased summer water use, even with the wet spring and early summer, could adversely effect the city residents and force a temporary limit on water supplies to businesses and residents in an emergency situation.

Residents are being asked to limit non-essential uses of water such as washing cars in driveways, filling pools and watering lawns and gardens if possible. The city is asking you to limit water on established lawns to not more than once every two days. Once every three days is all that is necessary to maintain a healthy lawn. No water is necessary when it rains or 1 - 2 days following a rain. Irrigation systems should be adjusted accordingly. Newly seeded or sodded lawns require more frequent watering. Watering should be done from dusk to dawn. Please make every effort to conserve.

City park grounds are watered only every third day, except in instances such as the new soccer fields, which were recently seeded.

"We've always made exceptions for homeowners with new lawns," added Bob Louiseau, city manager.

In 2006, it was necessary to put water restrictions into effect. The city is hoping that with cooperation, water restrictions will not be necessary this summer. If you have questions with regard to the water conservation, call the Perham city office at 346-4455.

May was near record month for Perham wastewater flow

Meanwhile, wastewater flow to Perham's treatment ponds has been the highest ever for May. At 583,000 gallons per day, the rate exceeded the city's Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permit by 3,000 gallons per day.

Again, industrial use was the main factor, said Meece.

"May was one of the top months of all times," reported Meece on the wastewater treatment system.

"With industry expanding, the wastewater volume is higher," said Louiseau, at the June 27 city council meeting. "It comes to a point where the water goes through the system so fast it can't be fully treated."

Another wastewater treatment expansion, adding a pond and possibly another irrigation unit, may be necessary, said Louiseau.

Pumps, equipment also strained

Water-sewer capacity isn't the only issue when systems are operating at peak capacity.

The mechanical equipment, well pumps and sewer lift stations, are also working overtime, which can mean costly breakdowns, failures and replacements.

Future sewer-water needs by industry to be surveyed

The city plans to meet with industry representatives to determine future needs.

Expansions at Barrel O' Fun and Primera Foods will both contribute to higher water and wastewater flow, noted Louiseau.

Water-sewer rates may need to be increased to fund new wells and treatment ponds.

It typically takes about five years, from the time planning starts for a new system until it is finally operative, so city officials are starting to look ahead.