Crystal Springs Wells To Get Major Cleaning

By Gordon HopkinsThe Fairbury City Council voted to spend not more than $70,000 for the cleaning and disinfecting of the Crystal Springs wellfield and gallery. It is hoped that this will address the biofilm problem that has kept the Crystal Springs wells offline since 2021.Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and also to a surface.At a meeting of the city council Tuesday evening, September 5, 2023, Michael Schneiders, a hydrologist, presented the results of two rounds of testing of the water from the wells. In a report submitted to the council , Schneiders wrote, “This information will be utilized in the development of a cleaning and disinfection protocol for the wells with Miller and Associates. A similar in-place cleaning and disinfection program can be developed for the Infiltration Gallery, which, with regular disinfection, should be able to resume operation without the previous water quality concerns.”The city hired Miller and Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C., to provide engineering services. Schneiders was then hired by Miller and Associates as an independent expert.The report noted, “Microscopic evaluation of the samples noted low to very low levels of visual microbial activity. Iron oxide entrained biomass, common in environments with iron bacteria, was observed in each of the Crystal Springs Wells.”The report explained the problem with the presence of amoeba in the wells system, “An amoeba was identified in Crystal Springs Well No. 3 during microscopic evaluation. Amoeba is a genus of Protozoa consisting of shapeless, unicellular organisms. Protozoa and Amoeba specifically, are most often associated with surface water bodies, indicating large, diverse, and mature microbiological communities. Protozoa occurrence is a concern as some are parasitic and some, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, are pathogenic. Amoebas often live in biofilm and other water-soil, water-air, and water-plant interfaces. When confronted with harsh environmental conditions that threaten them, they convert to a form known as a, cyst. Amoeba cysts are resistant to chlorination, adverse pH changes, osmotic pressure, and temperature.”According to the report, “This second assessment confirms that biofouling, while likely in all three of the Crystal Springs Wells, is highest in Well No. 2. The presence of amoeba in Well No. 3 is a concern and as a result, should be followed up with confirmation testing. The presence of amoeba is not unexpected given the artesian nature of the wells and shallow subsurface connection.”Schneiders told the council, “ There are bacteria present. There are some areas of concern. There is nothing that would lead me to believe that the wells cannot be cleaned up and turned around and put into actual use. And the same would be true from the treatment system there Crystal Springs.”NitratesThe city’s drinking water is currently supplied by three wells in the East Wellfield. Those three wells have consistently tested in the higher range for nitrates. The Crystal Springs wells have tested lower for nitrates. It is hoped that by getting the Crystal Springs wells back into service, that water can be blended with the East Wellfield water to provide the city water with a lower nitrate content.DoubtsNot everyone was convinced that cleaning and disinfecting the wells system would solve the biofilm problem. At a meeting of the Water Sourcing Committee on Wednesday, August 30, committee member and City Councilperson Doug Brown said, “I disagree with Michael’s statement that migration and evolution of bacteria in the galley was a result of lack of regular operation. Wells were nearly fully utilized with the peak of the biofilm.”“Well, I think we got some other issues,” said Brown, who remained dubious. “I think it’s poor quality water.”Little Blue NRDCurrently, Fairbury sells water to Little Blue NRD (Natural Resources District). However, Little Blue is currently for alternative water sources. According to City Councilperson Brian Schmidt, the amount Little Blue purchases, “Is about 53 million gallons a year.”“Here’s another thing that’s going to happen. It’s obvious we’re gonna lose Little Blue NRD as a customer.” Councilperson Doug Brown pointed out. “So, I see us gaining that much from the east because we won’t be supplying Little Blue. And another thing that’s out there is, we would have to talk with Little Blue, maybe we can buy water from Little Blue, if we need extra.”“Little Blue contributes about 25 percent of our water system. So yeah, we’re gonna lose a pretty good customer there,” said Schmidt. “I think a second source here for is still very good for this community. It’ll give us lots of room for expansion in the future.”The estimate for cleaning and disinfecting is $70,000. The project will still need to get approval from the state. The city counsel voted to approve the plan, pending approval from the state, and also to set a cap at $70,000. Doug Brown voted against the motion. The remaining counsel members voted to approve and the motion passed. No time table was set.

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