City addresses drinking water concerns

Terry Richards, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Apr. 18—VALDOSTA — The City of Valdosta is seeking to reassure the public about water safety following recent flooding that led to sewage overflows.

In a statement released Thursday, city officials sought to dispel concerns.

"Our water distribution system employs a closed-loop design, drawing water from the Floridian Aquifer," the statement said.

Surface water is not used, and the wells are right above the aquifer.

City officials have received questions from the public about drinking water safety following heavy rains that swept through the area earlier this month, resulting in overflows.

On April 11, south Georgia saw heavy rainfall from a line of thunderstorms moving through the area. The storm dumped as much as nine inches on parts of Lowndes County, according to a statement from county officials.

An overload in Valdosta's sewer system was caused in part by groundwater entering sewers and creating "excess volume" in the system, according to a statement from the city.

Overflows logged by the city included:

— Three overflows at 1402 N. Lee St., ranging from 40,500 gallons to 150,000 gallons;

— 1212 Wainwright Drive, 150,000 gallons;

— 2509 Seymour Street, 900 gallons;

— 1817 Gornto Road, 60,000 gallons;

— 1825 Norman Drive, 1,200 gallons; and

— 213 Knob Hill, 108,000 gallons.

In addition, the Withlacoochee River Water Pollution Control Plant suffered a spill of 6.7 million gallons from April 12-14, the city said. The spill was about 20% sewage and 80% groundwater.

Water used by the city comes from more than one well and is treated in accordance with E.P.A. regulations, meeting and exceeding current water quality standards, according to the city.

Residents using private wells instead of the city water system were urged to have their water tested and their wells disinfected.

Any issues stemming from the rainfall and flooding will have no impact on water bills unless there was property damage with leaks or breakages, the statement said. Those who are affected can contact Customer Service to ask about bill and payment assistance.

Terry Richards is the senior reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times.