Newark Reservoir equipment change could result in temporary odors

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City of Newark photo.

The City of Newark is installing a new aeration and mixing system at the Newark Reservoir, beginning Tuesday.

The process will not affect the quality of  water for businesses and residents, but could result in a strong odor during installation.

“Because the reservoir is supplied by a pipeline and not via a stream, the water is relatively static and can experience varying levels in temperature, increased algae growth, unpleasant odors and color,” said Tom Coleman, director of Public Works and Water Resources (PWWR) department. “By installing a fine bubble aeration and mixing system, we’ll address these issues and ensure a greater supply of the water is consistently available for use.”

Twice yearly,  the 317 million gallon reservoir experiences “seasonal turnover” where the cooler, denser water displaces the deeper, warmer water. The turnover results in low dissolved oxygen and elevated hydrogen sulfide (i.e. “rotten egg” odor) levels and, at times, renders a significant portion of the water being untreatable. The installation of multiple aeration disks at predetermined areas along the bottom of the reservoir will result in: 

The installation of multiple aeration disks at areas along the bottom of the reservoir will result in fewer odors and improved quality, among other things.

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This will be the first time the reservoir has been fully mixed since going into operation. increasing the likelihood of unpleasant “rotten egg” odors being emitted during the mixing process.

The city water department expects any potential odors to last no longer than three to five  days. City personnel will actively monitor the air quality to ensure all levels of hydrogen sulfide are safe.

The Newark Reservoir uses water from  White Clay Creek. All water from the reservoir is filtered and treated at the City’s Curtis Water Treatment Plant prior to distribution and consumption.

The actual aeration equipment cost was $62,276.

In addition to the aeration equipment,  the city was  awarded a grant for approximately $28,000 from the State of Delaware to purchase a piece of equipment that will be used to periodically monitor water quality and check  the effectiveness of the aeration system, city spokesperson Kelly Bachman said.

The  city  does not to intend to treat the reservoir water until proper mixing is completed. Residents with questions or concerns regarding this process can contact the   department at 302-366-7000. 

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