Clay County storm blamed for drop in Superior water pressure

Early Saturday evening residents of Superior breathed a sigh of relief when a line of severe thunderstorms passed to the north and east of the community. They didn’t realize the impact the storm would have on their Sunday morning travels.

When many of the community’s residents went to take their Sunday morning shower, they found only a trickle of water flowed from their taps. Had there been a water main break? Did it mean they would have to boil their tap water before it could be used for drinking or food preparation?

Fortunately, the answer to those questions was no. The water system did not lose all pressure and the system’s safety was not compromised.

However, the pressure drop was a cause for concern and it is an indication of what may happen this Tuesday (more about that later).

The Saturday afternoon storm damaged a South Central Public Power District line which runs south into Nuckolls County from Clay County. That power problem caused a problem with the lines feeding the well field east of Superior. The problem was compounded by a failure in the electronic control system which monitors the wells and the city distribution system.

Normally, the Superior water system maintains pressure throughout the community between 40 and 60 pounds. Instead the pressure dropped to about 3 pounds. Normally the pressure is related to the elevation of the customer’s property with regard to the water tower. But without the wells operating properly, the level of the water tower was declining.

Monday evening members of the Superior City Council ordered a mandatory water restriction throughout the community this coming Tuesday between the hours of 8 p.,m. and 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The restriction is caused by the construction of a water treatment plant located near the well field on East Fifteenth Street. As part of the construction project, the new plant must be connected to the existing 16 inch water transmission main.

While the connection is being made, the wells will be off line and water will be supplied from the water tower located at Fifteenth and Washington. The tower holds approximately 300,000 gallons of water. On a normal summer day, the daily water use averages between 500,000 and 600,000 gallons.

All customers served by the City of Superior water department are being asked to limit water consumption between 6 p.m. Monday evening and 6 a.m Tuesday morning.

Lawn and garden watering will be banned and patrols will roam the community looking for violators.

Normally at this time of year about 200,000 gallons of water is used each night to water lawns and gardens.

This issue of The Express contains a separate statement from the city offices regarding the water situation.

In other action Monday evening, the council approved hiring Lonnie Lemke to fill a street department vacancy. He has 22 years experience with the Nuckolls County Roads Department and considerable construction experience,

A recent electric department employee, Gavin Tucker, has successfully completed his probation period with the electric department.

The council passed a resolution authorizing an auction of surplus restaurant property owned by the city.

Permission was granted to Horizon Bank to block two parking spaces for a special event to be held at the bank on Friday, July 19.