Mayor addresses water, utility outages and interruptions

The City of Ferris experienced several periods of water-utility interruptions; low-pressure periods and outages; during the month of May, 2019.

Many citizens suffered this inconvenience. An administrative inquiry was conducted by Community Development Director Michael Hamilton, assisted by Chief Eddie Salazar and Investigator Gator Weiss.

The inquiry indicated the water outages and interruptions to be attributed to loss of electrical utility when power transformers went down; this stopped the water utility pump-works.

A mechanical failure in a pump occurred when re-starting the water system and a valve was found partially closed.

When these problems were corrected, the city was able to restore normal water utility output.

We did not confirm any tampering with the water system to have taken place; it appears to have been a series of occurrences that needed corrected.

Last night, (Monday, June 17, 2019) CDD Hamilton, Chief Salazar and Investigator Weiss reported their findings to the mayor and city council.

CDD Hamilton indicated that in examining these problems, there are some modifications that can be made to the water utility system that will reduce the occurrences.

One modification would entail providing alternative electrical power to end the interruptions to the systems that are critical to the production of water, thereby reducing any inconveniences to the community.

Hamilton also requested consideration for additional tools and equipment with which to better maintain the system.

Alderman Sherie Chapman has been reviewing the matter closely and has toured some of the water utility system with CDD Hamilton.

Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott also commented on the need to ensure those employed to work on the water utility system have what they need in the way of modern tools and equipment with which to maintain the system.

The most serious interruptions and outages occurred on the night of May 27 through May 28 and beyond. Many homes and businesses were without water.

Police, fire and local volunteers handed out donated bottled water at the Ferris Pavilion in an effort to assist the citizens.

This was one of those times when people came together as a community to help and assist; this is certainly commendable and appreciated.

Efforts will continue toward producing better water utility service.