Emporia City Commissioners recognized the staff of Emporia’s water treatment plant during the commission’s regular action meeting Wednesday morning.
The recognition comes as Emporia’s drinking water was rated among the best in the world — at least as judged at the internationally-known contest in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Emporia’s tap water finished tied for fourth with Miryang-Si, Gyeongsangdam-do, Republic of Korea, in the international contest. Gold went to Clearbrook, British Columbia, Canada, while silver was claimed by South Muskoska, Ontario, Canada, and bronze went to St. Paris. Ohio.
Water Treatment Plant Manager Jack Mason says he is proud of the honor but it makes him “want to be better.”
Emporia made it to the international contest after coming in first at the annual joint conference of the Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association last fall. Mason says the recent honors are a testament to the tireless work of his staff.
Water samples were rated by appearance, taste, mouth feel and aftertaste. Emporia has fared well in the Berkeley Springs contest in years past, winning the municipal water category in 2013 and 2017.
Emporia’s water has also won the Kansas Rural Water Association contest several times since 2003 and, in addition to this past fall, has won the Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association in 2007 and 2012.
In other business Wednesday, commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Lyon County regarding an increase in retail fireworks stands permit fees. The updated MOU will see the previous fee structure reorganized from three tiers to two and is increasing fees by 30 percent.
The cost for stands located in the city limits or within a one mile radius of those limits will now be $3,250 and $325 for all stands located in the remaining unincorporated portions of Lyon County. Lyon County Commissioners approved the same MOU during their regular meeting last Thursday.
Separately commissioners approved several ordinances authorizing beer gardens and a common alcohol consumption area for several upcoming community events.
During their regular study session, commissioners reviewed a study on city water rates which showed Emporia’s rates were regionally competitive averaging just over $28, slightly under the regional average of $32.53. Commissioners are currently considering rate increases with plans in place for future infrastructure improvements, specifically water main updates, which would total roughly $15 million.
That $15 million in work is set to be spread out over the next five years. Per discussions Wednesday, commissioners appear to be leaning towards a larger rate increase for higher usage and larger meters.
The advantages of this option would include increased fixed cost recovery, lower impact to residential customers and would be consistent with the city’s cost of services. Commissioners plan to continue conversations on this topic, with possible action, in the coming weeks.
Discussions were also held on new water meters and Vice-Mayor Becky Smith was appointed to the city’s William Allen White advisory slot. Commissioners also chose to move the city’s May 17th meeting to May 24.
Commissioners will reconvene for their next regular meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 15 at 11 am.
10:45 am Wednesday: Emporia drinking water finishes fourth at international contest
Emporia’s drinking water is among the best in the world — at least as judged at the internationally-known contest in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Emporia’s tap water finished tied for fourth with Miryang-Si, Gyeongsangdam-do, Republic of Korea, in the international contest. Gold went to Clearbrook, British Columbia, Canada, while silver was claimed by South Muskoska, Ontario, Canada, and bronze went to St. Paris. Ohio.
Water samples were rated by appearance, taste, mouth feel and aftertaste.
Emporia has fared well in the Berkeley Springs contest in years past, winning the municipal water category in 2013 and 2017. Emporia’s water has also won the Kansas Rural Water Association contest several times since 2003 and won the Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association last fall, 2007 and 2012.
