News Summary
The City of Savannah received a Notice of Violation from the State’s Environmental Protection Division related to an incident at its Water Treatment Plant. The incident, caused by excessive alum usage due to heavy rainfall, occurred on May 12. Residents will be informed about the situation, as the city is committed to maintaining water quality and safety standards.
Savannah Issues Notice of Violation for Water Treatment Incident
The City of Savannah has received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the State’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding an operational incident at its Industrial and Domestic (I&D) Water Treatment Plant. The notice, issued on May 28, will require the city to communicate the details of the incident to its water customers within a week.
Incident Details and Immediate Action Taken
The operational incident took place on May 12 and was attributed to a significant increase in the feed rate of aluminum sulfate, commonly referred to as alum. The dosage utilized during this incident was twice the normal amount as a direct response to heavy rainfall experienced in the days preceding the event. Alum plays a crucial role in the water treatment process by binding suspended particles in raw water, which allows them to settle and be effectively filtered out.
During the incident, the I&D Water Treatment Plant was processing approximately 50 million gallons of water daily, drawing its supply from Abercorn Creek. Upon detecting elevated turbidity levels, plant operators acted swiftly to correct the situation, ensuring that the water provided during and after the incident adhered to required safety standards.
Communication with Residents
The City of Savannah’s Office of Water Resources will be mailing detailed information about the NOV and the operational incident to local water customers. This initiative aims to keep the community informed and to address any potential concerns regarding water quality and safety.
Background on Water Treatment in Savannah
Water treatment is a critical function for maintaining public health and safety in urban areas. In Savannah, the I&D Water Treatment Plant is an essential facility that processes large volumes of water to meet the needs of its residents. The use of chemicals like alum is standard practice in water purification processes, as they allow for improved clarity and safety of drinking water.
The recent incident highlights the challenges that weather conditions can pose to water treatment operations. Heavy rainfall can affect the turbidity of water sources, necessitating adjustments in treatment protocols. The city’s prompt response to manage the elevated turbidity illustrates their commitment to maintaining water quality standards and ensuring public safety.
Contact Information for Residents
Residents who have further inquiries regarding the Notice of Violation or the operational incident can reach out to the City of Savannah’s Office of Water Resources at 912-651-6573. The office is prepared to provide additional information and assistance as needed.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Georgia EPD Issues Notice of Violation
- Wikipedia: Water Treatment
- WTOC: WTOK Investigates
- Google Search: Water Safety Georgia
- Page Six: Todd Chrisley Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drinking Water
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
