Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

USF study looks at treating Aloha water

Its recommendation is different from water treatment the county had ordered, which faces a delay.

By PHIL DAVIS
Published September 13, 2005

A much-anticipated University of South Florida study of Aloha Utilities' problem with foul water favors a different fix from the one ordered by Pasco County in June.

The study recommends a treatment process called fixed-bed anion exchange as the best way for Aloha to tackle the excess hydrogen sulfide in its water. Hydrogen sulfide caused problems ranging from smelly, grayish water to corroded copper pipes in some of the 12,000 homes in Aloha's Seven Springs service area.

In June, Pasco County commissioners ordered Aloha to use aeration technology to tackle the problem. Commissioners are expected today to delay any enforcement of the ordinance until talks ordered by the Florida Public Service Commission between Aloha and its customers are done.

The USF study noted that although aeration is a common water fix in Florida, Aloha faces space constraints and problems finding homes for smelly, noisy treatment towers.

Fixed-bed anion exchange removes more contaminants without the unpleasant and unattractive treatment towers, the study said.

The study did not address a key issue for both customers and company: cost.

"Where we are at is, we need to understand what these things cost," said Wayne Forehand, leader of a customer movement to dump Aloha. He is participating in talks between customers and the utility.

In addition to aeration and anion exchange, customers want regulators to explore the possibility of letting Tampa Bay Water treat Aloha's water. Aloha has said it is not interested in being a middleman in the water business.

The utility and customer representatives will meet behind closed doors on Sept. 23 to continue negotiations.

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:46:17]