Treynor Water Works

Mike Tripp has been managing the Treynor water works for 29 years.  Treynor has an aerobic waste treatment system that relies on oxygen to break down waste materials.  The system works well in the summer, but poorly in the winter when the water temperature is below 50 degrees.  The water temperature coming into the system is 52 to 55 degrees.

In 1988 Treynor did a major sewer study in town.  They were well within required parameters at that time.  However, they have been directed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate newer technologies. 

The discharge for the water treatment plant goes into the creek west of the lagoons.  They measure the inflow into the lagoons and the outflow.  The outflow water is tested one or two times each week and is reported monthly.  Samples are taken in the creek 50 feet above the discharge, at the discharge point, and 50-100 feet below the discharge point.

Treynor is doing several things to be forward looking and use current water and sewer revenues instead of new taxes.  As they upgrade, they want the system to be able to handle some light industries and to be good for the next 20 years.

The main concerns with drinking water are ammonia, e-coli, phosphates, chlorides, and sulphites.  A variety of tests are performed on drinking water.  Besides frequent water quality tests, every four years they do a radiological test that includes lead and copper tests.  Every eight years they perform a full spectrum test on the water.

Treynor is working on a 10 year capital improvement plan for water and sewer.  They will use existing water fees supplemented by grants.  The city is now using a robotic camera to check all sewage lines.  They are also using GPS technology to map all fire hydrants, water mains, and sewer manholes.

In other city business, the city has agreements with property owners for the two Welcome signs for Treynor.  A request for bids should be sent out in the next few weeks with construction possibly completed this year.  The signs will be lit using solar power.