Wyoming Success Stories
Plant evaluation addresses water quality issues and training needs
Where: Superior is a very small rural town of about 280 residents in southwest Wyoming.
Problem: High levels of iron and manganese affecting water quality and the need for technical assistance and training of the town's new utility operators.
Solution: Midwest Assistance Program conducted an evaluation of the existing plant performance and provided training to the new system operator.
Superior, a small rural community located in southwestern Wyoming, was once a booming coalmining town populated by nearly 5,000 people in the 1940’s. The water supply system was constructed by the Union Pacific Coal Company and later sold to Superior when it left in the 1960s. While the last three wells drilled yielded fairly good water quality; treatment for high levels of iron and manganese was needed.
In the summer of 2007, upon referral from Senator Enzi’s office, Superior’s Mayor contacted Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) to provide information on funding for a new water treatment system and training for utility operators.
MAP conducted a Comprehensive Performance Evaluation (CPE), a systematic approach that compares a system’s performance with standard operating procedures to identify operation, maintenance, and administration issues that may limit a plant’s performance. It also provides a platform for hands-on training for new operators. As part of the CPE, an inspection of the plant filters and system operation was conducted. The inspection revealed that poor plant performance was due to lack of filter media. Arrangements were made to bring the filters up to their proper levels to ensure safe water quality for Superior’s residents. The plant is now operating within design criteria. New water operators have gained valuable information and experience on water plant operation.
For more information, contact:
Phone: 952-758-4334
Fax: 952-758-4336
E-mail: map@map-inc.org
MAP is a member of the RCAP network and an equal-opportunity lender, provider and employer.