‘Black water’ from pipes addressed

WEIMAR — The Nov. 9 City Council meeting saw the introduction of a new police chief, the retirement of a former officer as well as the discussion around the discolored water coming out of faucets at residences and businesses around town.

Public Works director Jason Mahan addressed the concerns behind the darkened and discolored water flowing through certain city pipes. According to Mahan, the discoloration is due to a buildup of manganese in wells and pipelines. Some of the pipes in town do not connect to flow in a cycle, leading to water staying stagnant and collecting materials seeping into the water from the pipes.

Research shows that negative effects from manganese in water is mostly from chronic ingestion from drinking water and not usually from external use like showers or bathing. A low concentration of manganese can discolor water or cause staining. Drinking water with a high concentration can have neurological effects as the toxic material enters the body and bloodstream.

To solve the issue, Mahan recommended replacing each of the galvanized pipelines in a northern area of the city that has been reported to be the most affected area as well as finishing the connection of pipes that are not part of the current cycle. Switching those pipes over to larger PVC is the most surehanded solution according to Mahan.

However, replacing underground infrastructure is a lengthy process that will take time to acquire the materials and tools needed to accomplish. In the short term, Mahan suggested adding Polyphosphate into the most affected well to keep the buildup from collecting in the water. He also suggested that residents seeing black water should try to run their bathtubs for 10-15 minutes to let the stagnant water begin its flow again. Those who are still affected can contact the Public Works Department through city hall at 979-725-8554 for cases of water.

In other news, newly hired Police Chief Mark Jameson gave his first council report as an introduction to the public in attendance. Jameson has over 20 years of policing experience as he lends his abilities to lead the department. Before Jameson’s report, the city recognized former Lt. Steven Krhovjak for his retirement after 25 years of service to the Weimar Police Department.

The Council also recognized the Parents as Teachers of rural South Texas for their efforts in empowering parents of youth who are not yet within school years.

Some other items discussed at city council include:

• TxDot’s alternative set aside program provided the city with over $3 million to construct a sidewalk from I-10 to Hwy 90 for pedestrians.

• Nov. 25 will be recognized as Small Business Saturday in Weimar.

• The 100 Block of E. Post Office Street and the 100 Block of N. Mechanic Street will be closed on Dec. 2 from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Sip N’ Shop event. The same streets will be closed for the Down-Home Christmas parade on Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Council will have their December meeting on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. with hopes of completing the proceedings by the end of the parade. At the parade, the city will have a presentation of Weimar’s 150th year anniversary at City Hall.