Farmington Installs New Water Monitoring Equipment

Friday, September 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM

The City of Farmington announced the completion and installation of a new monitoring system at the intake pump stations where Farmington Lake gets its water.

Farmington-The City of Farmington announced the completion and installation of a new monitoring system at the intake pump stations where Farmington Lake gets its water. This automated monitoring system will detect contamination of river water and shut down pump stations that divert water from the Animas River into Lake Farmington. The system will alert the City’s water treatment plant staff about elevated contamination so technicians can be dispatched to monitor water supplies.

The monitoring system measures pH, dissolved oxygen conductivity and turbidity—contaminants associated with mine wastes. It also employs ultraviolet probes to detect hydrocarbons connected with petrochemical contamination. City officials also noted the system’s ability to detect raw sewage.

“This system will protect Farmington’s water supply 24/7 in case we have another incident such as the Gold King Mine spill,” said City Manager Rob Mayes. “This equipment also protects against organic contamination if there’s a large sewer spill upstream.” Sewage spills from upstream communities have occurred in the past.

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