New Ding-Del water system goes online

DINGMAN — A high tech, high security central water treatment and pumping system was put into service last Friday at the Dingman-Delaware schools campus. Formerly three wells served the pumping system to the primary, elementary and middle school buildings. One of the wells had to be shut down about one and a half years ago. The drinking water coming from that well had been causing problems for nine years, said Support Service Director Marvin Eversdyke. The newly completed system draws water from two different wells. The water is treated with three electronically controlled purification chemicals and then is pumped into a 23,000 gallon outside storage tank. From that tank, the water comes back into the pump room and the purified water is distributed to the individual campus buildings on demand, Eversdyke said. The two pumps provide necessary water for the three buildings and alternate as necessary. One pump alone can do the entire job. Outside, a large automatic emergency generator is on hand, and will fill in should there be an interruption in electrical power. “The chemicals used in the purification process are chlorine to eliminate bacteria, caustic soda to maintain the proper pH level and calquest which adds phosphates back into the water which is needed to catch impurities,” reported Frank Navarro DEP certified system operator. The new pumping, electronically controlled purification system, outside storage tank and security features cost approximately $845,000 plus engineering, consulting and testing fees. Pa. DEP (Department of Environmental Conservation) has approved and monitors the water system by way of water testing reports sent to them by an outside engineering firm. The system is designed so that the amount of treated water in the storage tank can be regulated. At times of lower usage such as Christmas break, spring break and summer break there will be less water in the storage tank to prevent the water from becoming stale. The schools use approximately 10,000 gallons per day for 2,100 students during regular school times. During the summer they may use just 3,000 to 4,000 gallons per day. A high tech security system consists of many surveillance cameras, door alarms, motion alarms and steel fencing. Other, undisclosed security features are also in place. These will protect the entire treatment facility, outside storage tank, and pumping system from anyone tampering with any part of it, Eversdyke said.