GREENWOOD — Despite recent precipitation in the Greenwood area, water quality issues still plaque the Greenwood area, according to Donnie Sandifer, general manager at James Fork Regional Water District.
Sandifer said the reservoir level did not rise during the rains because of the dryness of the ground.
“We just did not get the runoff that we needed,” Sanderford said. “Pretty much all of it was soaked up and we didn’t get the creeks running off the mountain like we needed. If we keep getting rain, it will help eventually.”
Sanderford said the district has changed the point at which they are drawing water and that the water quality appears to be improving.
“The water seems to be better at the plant,” Sanderford said. “Right now, we just have so much in the system that it is going to take a little while to get all of that out of our tanks and lines.”
Greenwood purchases 80 percent of its water from James Fork during the winter months, according to Greg Cross, water treatment director for the city. Greenwood is under contract with James Fork to buy 15 million gallons each month. Cross said the city sells between 19 million and 20 million gallons during the winter months and between 20 million and 27 million gallons during the summer.
In January, Sandifer said the reservoir is at its lowest point since it was built and is 16 feet below normal. Sandifer said the lake has turned over and the reservoir turns over twice a year, but when water levels are normal it is not an issue.
Jeff Stone, engineering director for the Arkansas Department of Health, said his department has received complaints about the taste and odor of the water and said he has been in close contact with James Fork. Stone said the samples that the department of health has received from James Fork show they are bacteriologically safe.
Stone explained that the treatment plants have been verified to ensure they are working correctly. Treatment plants are tested in 10 different areas each month and more frequently when there are any issues.