AC H
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Water Quality Report B OYN T ON
2014
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO Colin D. Groff, P.E., Utility Director Colin is responsible for all water, wastewater, reuse and stormwater operations and management for the City of Boynton Beach and has been working in the Water and Wastewater industry for various municipal utilities for the last 29 years. He is an alumnus of the University of South Florida with a BS degree in Civil Engineering and holds a Florida Professional Engineer license.
PARDON OUR DUST Neighborhood Utility Improvement Projects New water lines, water services, fire hydrants, stormwater systems and pavement are included in the improvements in the Lake Boynton Estates and Forest Park neighborhoods.
Stormwater Drainage Improvement
Boynton Beach Utilities Management Staff Bevis Pigott, Manager, Treatment Operations Bevis is responsible for the City’s water treatment plants, the wellfields that supply raw water and a certified lab dedicated to Water Quality testing. His experience includes both a technical and management background in the public and private sector. Bevis holds a BA in Chemistry and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University in NY. James Sylvain, P.E., Manager, Field Operations James is responsible for the operations and maintenance of all water lines, sewer lines, stormwater systems and pump stations. He has a variety of experience in both public and private sectors in both field operations and electrical and controls engineering. James holds a BS Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Electrical Engineering and holds a Florida Professional Engineer license. Chris Roschek, P.E., Manager, Engineering & Construction Chris is responsible for managing the design and construction of infrastructure improvement projects, reviewing plans for new development projects within the City, and managing engineering, inspections, and utility locations staff. Chris has a MS in Environmental Engineering from Syracuse University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
Michael Low, C.Eng., Manager, Technical Services Michael is responsible for utility system planning, operations and capital budgets, rate development, large engineering and construction contract administration and utility process improvements and serves as the utility liaison with federal and state agencies that regulate utility operations. Michael is a graduate of the Imperial College, London and holds an Honors Degree in Chemical Engineering and is a graduate of Henley Management College Senior Management School at Brunel University. He holds a Chartered Engineer and European Engineer license. Karen Riseley, Manager, Maintenance Karen has been with the City over 21 years and is responsible for all utility building and grounds maintenance and oversees contract document development and selection of vendors for utility projects. Karen attended Palm Beach State College with coursework in business and accounting and is a Certified Professional Public Buyer. Barb Conboy, Manager, Customer Services Barb is responsible for all customer service activities, including meters, billing, collections, customer accounts and new customer acquisition. Barb has been with the City for over 25 years involved with operations in administrative and financial capacities. Barb holds a BS Degree in Business Administration with a Computer Science concentration from Elizabethtown College in PA.
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Boynton Beach Utilities continues to develop engineering designs and perform construction to correct drainage problems throughout the City and including areas within Harbor Estates and Venetian and Treasure Isles neighborhoods, NW 1st and 2nd Streets, and several areas within the “Heart of Boynton” neighborhoods.
Pence Park Master Lift Station The Pence Park wastewater lift station is a new facility to serve the redeveloping Federal Highway area in northeast Boynton Beach. It was designed and constructed to provide reliable service for many years.
Reuse Water Expansion Several reuse expansion projects have been completed and several more in construction. These projects provide irrigation water for residents, businesses and parks and preserve the high quality ground water which, is treated and distributed for personal use for all customers.
East Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Upgrades This project will improve the City’s ability to provide high quality drinking water to customers for the next 30 years while protecting the aquifer from salt water intrusion. The project includes the addition of an Ion Exchange Resin Process, a new 3M gallon potable water storage tank and major upgrades. Follow the progress of the project at www.boyntonbeachionexchange.com.
Raw Water Transmission Main Boynton Beach Utilities is constructing a 36” raw water transmission main from the west well field to the East Water Treatment Plant in order to provide raw water for the expansion to the East Plant. Phase II along Woolbright Road was completed in November 2014 and the last phase along Woolbright Road from Congress Avenue to the Treatment Plant will begin in the fall of 2015.
PROTECTING THE WATERWAYS FROM DAMAGE DURING CONSTRUCTION There are many construction projects underway within Boynton Beach to install new water mains and drainage. During construction, stormwater runoff from construction sites can have a significant impact on water quality. Runoff from rainfall flows over construction sites picking up sediment and other pollutants, such as building materials, concrete washout, paint, fuel, wastewater, oil, and solvents. The contaminated runoff can then enter the stormwater system and be discharged to nearby canals, ponds, or lakes. Contractors, working for the City, use several different methods to reduce and eliminate the effects of stormwater runoff, such as minimizing construction areas, managing the perimeter of construction sites with silt fence and other barriers. This protects stormwater inlets with filter fabric, using settling basins and turbidity barriers and utilizing water trucks to control dust. Utilities inspectors continuously monitor construction sites to ensure that the proper stormwater protection is in place and functioning properly. 33
MEASURING OUR UTILITIES PERFORMANCE
WHERE DOES YOUR DRINKING WATER COME FROM?
70 Average Water Pressure (psi)
60
Water Distribution Average Water Pressure
Target: 50 psi
50 40 30 20 10
DEC ‘14
NOV ‘14
OCT ‘14
SEP ‘14
AUG ‘14
JUL ‘14
JUN ‘14
MAY ‘14
APR ‘14
MAR ‘14
FEB ‘14
JAN ‘14
DEC ‘13
OCT ‘13
NOV ‘13
0
The target pressure for the distribution system is 50 psi. Distribution system pressures are being maintained in the range of 55 – 60 psi.
450 400
# of Customers
350
All of our wells are replenished, indirectly, by percolation of rainfall. Surface water bodies such as canals, lakes and ponds also assist to recharge the aquifer. Thus, our water supply is very rainfall dependent. When rainfall is scarce, the water levels in the surficial aquifer and surface water bodies can become dangerously low and the potential for seawater to creep into the aquifer is increased. This is called saltwater intrusion. During drought conditions, we do everything we can to limit the withdrawal of water from the East Water Plant wells to prevent saltwater intrusion.
Customer Service Unplanned Water Main Outages
300 250
Unforeseen water outages impacted an average of less than 30 customers per month for FY 2013-14, although there were several large breaks in August. No outages were recorded in October or November.
200 150 FY 2014 Goal <30/month
100 50
During our dry season, December through May, we rely heavily on our West Water Plant wells and water that has been stored in our Aquifer Storage and Recovery system (ASR). ASR allows us to store treated water during the rainy season, when water is plentiful, and use it during the dry season when water is scarce.
NOV ‘14
SEP ‘14
JUL ‘14
MAY ‘14
JAN ‘14
MAR ‘14
NOV ‘13
JUL ‘13
SEP ‘13
MAY ‘13
JAN ‘13
MAR ‘13
NOV ‘12
JUL ‘12
SEP ‘12
MAY ‘12
MAR ‘12
OCT ‘11
0 JUN ‘12
One of the primary goals of the Boynton Beach Utilities is to produce water economically (saving you money) while minimizing the effects of water production on the environment (saving the planet). This is done by careful management of our limited water resources. Our raw water is taken from the East Coast Surficial Aquifer to supply the two treatment plants that produce the purified water you use and enjoy every day. The water is pumped from wells that vary in depth from 50 to 250 feet. Our East Water Plant, a lime softening facility, operates 19 wells and has a rated capacity of 19.2 million gallons per day. Our West Water Plant, a state of the art membrane treatment plant, operates 11 wells and has a rated capacity of 10.4 million gallons per day.
These are just some of the tools we use to sustain our fragile water supply and protect the environment. We are not in this alone. We rely on you, our customers, to conserve water wherever you can in order to sustain our water supply for future generations.
Average Chlorine Residual (mg/l)
4.5
Water Distribution System Average Chlorine Residual Boynton Beach Utilities attempts to maintain an average distribution system chlorine residual of 3.0 mg/L. When the chlorine residual decreases below the recommended minimum levels, the system is switched to a disinfection method called free chlorination, which removes all organic growth that is causing chlorine levels to drop.
4 3.5
For Customers with Special Health Concerns
3 Target: 3.0 mg/l
2.5
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections.
2 1.5 1 0.5
25
DEC ‘14
OCT ‘14
AUG ‘14
APR ‘14
JUN ‘14
FEB ‘14
DEC ‘13
OCT ‘13
JUN ‘13
AUG ‘13
APR ‘13
FEB ‘13
OCT ‘12
DEC ‘12
AUG ‘12
JUN ‘12
APR ‘12
FEB ‘12
DEC ‘11
OCT ‘11
0
Water Quality Complaints FY 2013/2014
20
The majority of complaints for FY 2013-2014 were related to odor and particles which, in turn, are directly related to seasonal residences. To combat such issues, seasonal residents are reminded to flush their hot water heaters and taps when returning to their residences from a long hiatus.
15 10 5
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These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Hotline at 800.426.4971.
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Need More Information
We want you to be informed about your water utility and the high-quality drinking water delivered to your homes and businesses. We also encourage community participation and feedback. If you have any questions about this report, or if you would like a copy of our water system’s complete source water assessment, call 561.742.6400. For additional information about water quality, call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791. Sa-a se yon mesaj ki pale de kalite dlo nan Boynton Beach. Si ou genyen kesyon tanpri telefone 561.742.6300. Este es el Informe Anual De Calidad De Agua Potable de la Ciudad de Boynton Beach. Para información en español, por favor Ilame al teléfono 561.742.6960. 5
WATER QUALITY TEST RESULTS 2014
DEFINITIONS AL: Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements, which a water system must follow.
Inorganic Contaminants Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of Sampling (Mo/Yr)
MCL/AL Violation (Y/N)
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
MCLG
Arsenic, ppb
Jan. 2014
No
0.61
ND – 0.61
0
10.0
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.
Barium, ppb
Jan. 2014
No
8.3
3.4 – 8.3
2,000
2,000
Discharge from drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits.
Daily
No
1.10
0.64 – 1.56
4.0
4.0
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Water additive which promotes strong teeth when at the optimum level of 0.7 ppm.
Jan. 2014
No
0.22
ND – 0.22
10.0
10.0
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride, ppm
Nitrate, ppm
MCL
Likely Source of Contamination
LRAA: Locational Running Annual
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level
Lead and Copper (Tap Water)
Goal. The level of a contaminant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
AL exceeded (Y/N)
90th Percentile Result
No. of sampling sites exceeding the AL
MCLG
AL (Action Level)
Copper (tap water),
Sept. 2014
No
0.126
No samples
1.3
AL = 1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing system; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives.
Lead (tap water), ppb
Sept. 2014
No
3.37
One sample
0
AL = 15
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
Likely Source of Contamination
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection by Products Disinfectant or Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Average. The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
MCL or MRDL Violation Y/N
Highest Level Detected
Range of Results
MCLG or MRDLG
MCL or MRDL
Likely Source of Contamination
Chloramines (ppm)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2014
No
3.28 ¹
0.2 - 4.3
4.0
4.0
Water additive used to control microbes.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA 5), ppb, Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2014
No
31.1 ¹
0.86 – 39.4
NA
60
By-product of drinking water chlorination.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), ppb, Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2014
No
66.6 ¹
2.5 – 87.1
NA
80
By-product of drinking water chlorination.
MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Microbiological Contaminants Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of Sampling (mo/yr)
MCL Violation Y/N
Highest Monthly percentage
MCLG
MCL
Total Coliform Bacteria
Apr., May, July, Sept., Oct. 2014
No
0.81
0
< 5 % of monthly samples
Likely sources of contamination
ND: Not Detected. Indicates that the substance was not found by laboratory analysis.
Naturally present in the environment.
PPB: Parts Per Billion. A unit of measurement equal to one part by weight of a contaminant in 1 billion parts by weight of water. This could be compared to 1 second in 11,500 days or 1 inch in 15,800 miles.
¹ Denotes running annual average of 4 consecutive quarterly results, individual results may be higher.
From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, a monitoring violation occurred. Boynton Beach Utilities did not complete all required monitoring for Synthetic Organic Contaminants (SOCs) and therefore cannot verify the quality of the drinking water during that time. Synthetic Organic Contaminants are largely comprised of herbicides and pesticides associated with agricultural activity. Two quarterly samples within a calendar year are required to be collected from each treatment plant. The results of the one SOC sample collection performed in January 2014 detected no contaminants at either plant. The second set of samples for these contaminants was not collected in 2014 as required. As soon as this was noted by Utility staff, a set of SOC samples from each water treatment plant was collected on March 11, 2015. The results of these samples also detected no contaminants. These results demonstrate that both samples were clear of all Synthetic Organic Contaminants.
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MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Health Effects: Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
PPM: Parts Per Million. A unit of measurement equal to one part by weight of a contaminant in 1 million parts by weight of water. This could be compared to 1 second in 11.5 days or in 1 inch in 15.8 miles.
TT: Treatment Technique. A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. 7
HOW DO CONTAMINANTS GET INTO OUR WATER? As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants That May Be Present In Source Water Include: • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturallyoccurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration establishes limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects may be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM Boynton Beach Utilities is committed to educating young water consumers on the value of clean, safe drinking water. Water Wise, a water and conservation program sponsored by the Boynton Beach Utilities, and taught in fifth grade classrooms, teaches students the importance of conservation. This hands-on program is a perfect blend of classroom instruction, installation of water saving devices and measurement of water conserved. These lessons on the importance of water conservation have saved each student’s home nearly 4,215 gallons this past year – equivalent to over 2 weeks of water use! This past year, 1,138 students participated in Water Wise, so Boynton Beach Utilities has 5,550,321 gallons of water to utilize for future generations. At Boynton Beach Utilities, we encourage everyone to save some water for a sunny day!
Flood Prevention Workshop On July 24, 2014, the City of Boynton Beach hosted its first Annual Flood Awareness Workshop for citizens, business owners and HOA’s to educate on the basics of protecting homes and the community from flooding due to hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rains. Attendees learned about our 3-tiered water control systems, which start at the neighborhood level. Presentations were provided by Colin Groff, Boynton Beach Utilities Director; Patrick A Martin, District Engineer for the Lake Worth Drainage District; and Laura Corry, Lead Intergovernmental Representative for the South Florida Water Management District.
Information on Lead If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Boynton Beach Utilities Department is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Source Water Assessment In 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection performed a Source Water Assessment on our system. The assessment was conducted to provide information about any potential contamination sources in the vicinity of our wells. Thirteen (13) unique potential sources of contamination at three (3) separate locations were identified ranging from low to moderate risk. We routinely test each raw water well twice annually to check for organic contaminants, above and beyond EPA regulations. The assessment results may be found at www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp or may be obtained by calling 561.742.6964.
FEMA Flood Workshop The City of Boynton Beach hosted FEMA Open House on September 8, 2014, for a look at newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for the county. The Open House provided the residents of Palm Beach County with the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who were available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. Photo Credit: The COASTAL STAR
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Did
YOU
know
Days You Can Water Your Landscape Palm Beach County has restrictions related to when homeowners can water their landscape. Watering is permitted 3 days per week, before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. only. Odd numbered addresses must water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; even numbered addresses on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Watering is not permitted on Fridays. Remember that you do not need to water all three days. Conserve water - observe your grass, plants and local rainfall to reduce your number of watering days.
YOUR MONTHLY UTILITIES BILL Did YOU know
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FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING
10
Top
The average customer served by Boynton Beach Utilities uses approximately
7,000 gallons of water per month. With this use, in a single family residence, the average monthly invoice will be $77.65.
Sewer Base Charge
Refuse Collection
$18.70
$15.00
Tips for the Home Gardener from
1. Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly Most lawns need about ¾ to 1 inch of water once per week,
Water Base Charge
Sewer Use
$15.05
or once every two weeks when the weather cools. Water can come from rain, or from irrigation. Infrequent but deep watering encourages deep rooting, as well as healthier and hardier plants with a greater tolerance for drought.
2. Water at the right time of day Water early in the day, especially in warmer weather, when evaporation rates are lowest. 3. Watch your lawn instead of a schedule or calendar Your lawn needs watering when:
$12.35
Stormwater Management
Water Use
$5.00
$11.55
• Grass blades are folded in half • Grass blades are blue-gray • Your footprint remains on the lawn
4. Too much water can hurt plants Over-watering creates shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to disease and pests, as well as to drought.
WATER & SEWER BASE CHARGE: Pays for the pipes, pumps and water and wastewater plants necessary
5. Drip or micro-irrigation systems save water These systems deliver water to the root of plants, so much less is lost
to treat, deliver, collect and dispose of the water
to the atmosphere.
6. Mulching Adding mulch helps to keep water in the soil around plants. At least two inches is suggested around shrubs, trees, annuals and vegetable and flower gardens.
7. Remove Weeds; Add Native Plants Weeds or other unwanted plants use water. Removing them means more water
WATER & SEWER USE CHARGE: Pays the cost of labor, material and supplies for water and sewer use STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Pays for the installation and maintenance of drainage inlets, pipes and stormwater facilities along with street sweeping and stormwater treatment to protect surface water from pollution
for the plants you want. Native plants are adapted to our rainy and dry seasons, and offer habitat to area wildlife.
8. Install a rain sensor This recognizes when nature brings the water your lawn needs, and shuts off automatic sprinklers. 9. Adjust your lawnmower blades Most lawns are healthiest when blades are 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches long. Longer blades shade the soil, and keep in water.
REFUSE COLLECTION: Pays for the cost of collection and disposing of garbage These services provide quality of life benefits, including clean, safe, drinking water, sewer disposal/ treatment, stormwater management and garage collection/disposal.
10. Keep lawnmower blades sharp Clean, sharp cuts cause less trauma to grass blades, making the grass more resistant to disease.
KEEPING YOUR CANALS AND LAKES SAFE There are many beautiful lakes, canals and waterways that not only provide a high quality of life, they also serve to prevent flooding and protect the environment. If something is dumped on the road or down a storm drain that is not stormwater, it can cause significant environmental damage and compromise the health and safety of all citizens. These types of activities are called illicit discharges. Some examples of illicit discharges are dumping of motor oil, gasoline, fertilizer, or pesticides into storm drains. They can also include blowing or dumping organic matter such as leaves, dirt or grass clippings into the stormwater drainage system. All of these types of activities affect the quality of the water and the ability to control rainwater to prevent flooding. Help reduce stormwater pollution by disposing of wastes properly. If you suspect that illegal dumping has occurred, please call Boynton Beach Utilities at 561.742.6400. 10
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PROVIDE
7,000
GALLONS OF WATER TO A HOME
Sewer Treatment Customer Service
$8.61
$2.66
Drinking Water Delivery
$2.31
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Drinking Water Treatment
$10.29
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Sewer Collection
$9.59
Boynton Beach Utilities 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, Florida 33435
BOYNTON BEACH TELEVISION
www.boynton-beach.org
BOYNTON BEACH LEADS THE WAY WITH THE USE OF SPARTANS The same style of fire hydrant has been used throughout the United States for the last 100 years with little change. While these hydrants provide the water necessary for firefighters to protect life and property, modern changes in firefighting equipment demands a change in how a fire hydrant is designed and utilized. Boynton Beach Utilities is one of the first in the country to adopt a new standard fire hydrant for use throughout its service area. Manufactured by Sigelock, these new hydrants, called Spartans, include a number of design improvements. They have no external parts, preventing vandalism and reducing maintenance costs. The hydrant is secured through a locking mechanism that allows firefighters quick access with a specialized tool reducing emergency response time. The design also maintains optimal water pressure for firefighting, which eliminates pressure fluctuations that can compromise fire suppression. The new hydrants will save money over time. A Spartan hydrant costs $2,500 (approximately $500 more than a traditional hydrant). However, due to the fact that they are stainless steel powder coated, they will not rust or fade and come with a 25 year warranty, saving the City up to $10,000 a year. Lastly, these ultra-modern, smaller hydrants also offer a better curbside appeal. Boynton Beach has a total of 4,000 fire hydrants in the City. Approximately 120 Spartans have been installed to date. Eventually all hydrants will be replaced as the old ones fail. Boynton Beach was recently featured on a Discovery Channel segment about its new hydrants. Boynton Beach Utilities is leading the way in employing the best technologies to provide the highest quality of service at the lowest cost to all customers.
Did YOU know
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If you utilize the average 7,000 gallons of water per month, you pay
$2.50 a day for your utility services â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
less than a cup of premium coffee!