Prescott Considers Clean Water System

PRESCOTT - After water tests showed bacteria in a water sample from Prescott City Hall two months ago, Mayor Libby McCaw con- firmed Monday night water testing has since proved the water to be clean for drinking in the city.

At the Prescott City Council meeting last Monday, Mc- Caw said a water sample tak- en in July and tested showed there were harmful levels of bacteria in the water at city hall. Now, the city believes that sample taken was a false positive.

The city had to test the water every week for one month after at city hall and five different residences in the city. Because no other bacteria were found in the later samples, the city staff members believe the sample with bacteria was actually a false positive.

McCaw said the city is now looking into purchasing a water chlorination system to make sure the drinking water will remain safe for decades to come.

She said the city had looked into installing a chlo- rination system years ago, but the system would have cost several thousand dollars and it was too expensive for the small city.

McCaw said Dixie now has a system that doesn't chlorinate the water full- time, but only when harm- ful bacteria is present in the water. Waitsburg also has a chlorination system, said City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe.

A system like Dixie's would cost about $300 for the meter and $400 for the system, McCaw said. Now, the city of Prescott is considering one just like it.

Councilman Doug Venn said he would need to have much more information about how cities chlorinate water and what would be appropriate for the city of Prescott before shelling out the money. But, if the city needs it, he certainly thinks the price of this system is right.

"In terms of the cost, it's a good idea," Venn said.

"(The water operator) said he would recommend that," McCaw said. "We're kind of living on borrowed time in this day and age not to have chlorination."

In other news:

*Charles Kimsey was unanimously appointed by the Prescott City Council to fill the seat of Darlene DeCoria, who vacated her council seat Monday night to take on the role of mayor. Libby McCaw let the council know she would be resigning last spring and DeCoria was selected by the council to fill the spot.

*Because of upcoming holidays, the next Prescott City Council meetings will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 1 and at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.

*Josh Westbrook from the Walla Walla County Rural Library District presented information at the meeting about the history of the Prescott Library and its relationship with the rural library district. Outgoing Mayor Libby McCaw said the city supports the rural district amidst arguments and contract issues between the district and the Walla Walla Public Library.