SOUTHWICK – The Water Commission gave its approval Thursday night for work to begin on the design and implementation of a chlorination system.
Department of Public Works Director Randy Brown said the town will save money by chlorinating its own water.
“We spend about $10,000 a month on Springfield water,” said Brown.
“Easily. More in the summer months,” said Water Commissioner Edward Johnson.
The town uses Springfield water once or twice a week to get chlorine into the town’s water system.
“They do it on Mondays,” said Commissioner Luther Hosmer. “You can taste it. When we put ours in, it would be a constant drip in the system.”
Brown said there would still be some residual taste but because the chlorination would be a constant low drip, most residents would not notice it.
“There won’t be a spike,” Brown said.
Tighe & Bond’s proposal includes sketches depicting how the chlorinating system would be set up. The proposal also includes a list of things needed, such as an eyewash station, and it outlines construction materials and costs.
Brown said Tighe & Bond is charging $7,200 for its engineering services and construction and materials would be just over $23,000.
“The work would most likely be done in-house,” said Brown. “We would probably sub out some things such as electrical work.”
The funds for the system were included in the current year capital budget.
“One of the benefits is right now the town draws water from Springfield and we get a big bill,” said Brown. “This is a great way to get out of our reliance on Springfield water.”
Brown said he would notify Tighe & Bond right away so work could begin immediately.
“This could probably be done by the end of winter or early spring,” he added.
