The existing facility is over 31 years old.
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The buildings and treatment equipment exhibit severe signs of deterioration.
The plant is not capable of softening water.
The electrical and control system of the existing facility is outdated and obsolete.
There is no practical method to improve the treatment performance, equipment condition, or increase the water production of the existing facility.
Current facility requires over $5,000 per month for chemical treatment, three times that of a new plant.
The facility cannot meet the water demands of the city if any element is taken out of service for major maintenance or improvements.
The maximum water production of the current plant is limited to 280-300 gallons per minute (gpm).
A typical day requires 14-20 hours of plant operation to produce water for Gallatin. Peak day demands require continuous (24 hour) operation. Ideal operation would be limited to 8-16 hours.
Over $70,000 of finished water is wasted each year during necessary daily filter maintenance.
The water demand of Gallatin has nearly exceeded the production capacity of the current facility, limiting growth and economic development opportunities.
Extremely hard water quality takes a severe toll on appliances, faucets, coffee pots, and water heaters. Improved water quality will extend the life of such items.
Proposed Improvements
The City of Gallatin is considering the construction of a new water treatment facility capable of 450-500 gallons per minute (gpm) of production.
The production capability of a new facility will range between 400,000-500,000 gallons per day (gpd).
The proposed project includes improvements to the well field and the construction of a new clearwell.
Several treatment options were evaluated with considerations given to capital cost, operational flexibility, and future regulatory requirements. The city has chosen to utilize lime-softening treatment in the proposed facility. Lime-softening was determined to be the least expensive treatment option. It is a time tested technology that will serve the long-term goals of Gallatin.
The estimated project cost is approximately $4.5 million.
The proposed location of a new facility is adjacent to the existing plant.
Project Funding
The city is intending to utilize USDA grant and low interest loans to fund this project.
The voters of Gallatin must approve the passage of a bond election before the city can qualify for the USDA grant and low interest loan program. The bond election is scheduled for Nov. 2.
The project will increase water rates by approximately $15 per month for 5,000 gallons of water used. The increase in water rates will be used to repay the USDA low interest loan.
Cost Comparisons
A bottle of water from the gas station will cost about $1.50.
A gallon of water from the grocery store will cost about $1.
A gallon of Gallatin tap water will cost about $0.008.