By Press Times Staff
HOWARD – Between Tuesday, Oct. 15, and Thursday, Oct. 17, the Village of Howard Water Utility will temporarily use water from its emergency backup groundwater wells for water supply while a repair is made in the Central Brown County Water Authority (CBCWA) transmission line.
The repair requires the shutdown of the Howard portion of the CBCWA transmission main that carries water from the City of Manitowoc to the Village of Howard.
The repair of the transmission main, flushing and sampling is expected to take two days.
Public Works Director Geoff Farr said the water supply to Howard water customers will not be interrupted, and use of groundwater will be discontinued following the repair of the CBCWA transmission main.
Farr said water customers should be aware the water from groundwater wells contains radium at levels above the EPA standard.
Though radium is a contaminant that has long-term use health effects, because the use will be short term, he said he does not believe drinking the well water during this time period will be harmful to health.
Farr said users may experience a temporary increase in hardness and/or some mineral discoloration.
He said the village’s groundwater wells are maintained for the health, welfare and safety of its customers and are approved as emergency water sources for this type of circumstance.
Farr said the wells are regularly maintained, and the water is tested according to the DNR and EPA regulations.
He said the wells produce high-quality water, and there are no needed extra steps before drinking or using the well water while this repair project is occurring.
Check the village’s website at villageofhoward.com for updates on the construction progress and to find out when normal water service from the CBCWA and MPU is restored.
Call the Howard Water Utility at 434-4060 with any questions.
The Howard Water Utility asks its customers for their patience and understanding during the repair project.