Cape Girardeau works to find solution to water emergency

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) City officials in Cape Girardeau call a mechanical failure at the city’s water plant an emergency.

Assistant City Manager, Trevor Pulley says it could be months before the clarifier is repaired, but they are working with experts to fast-track a solution.

He says the two working clarifiers supply enough water for now, but if the situation is not resolved by Summer, the city could be in trouble.

“This is an emergency,” said Pulley. “We ae down to two clarifiers.”

He says the situation is critical.

“In the city of Cape, this is our highest priority,” said Pulley.

Wednesday night, the city released a statement saying one of the three clarifiers which takes contaminants out of the water failed.

“This is a 55 foot round, 13 foot deep concrete structure with components,” said Pulley. “The shaft which is attached to the rake at the bottom has broken in half. So that clarifier has been taken off line and it is inoperable at this time.”

He says during Winter months, it’s ok that the city produces less water because not as much is needed, but come May it’s a different situation.

“Currently we can produce up to 6.95 gallons per day and in the heat of the summer we are averaging 9.8 gallons per day – do the math,” he said.

Pulley says with that in mind, officials wasted no time making a plan to move forward.

“We have numerous engineering firms and numerous construction companies and consultants here in Cape Girardeau examining the clarifier to see how and when it can be fixed,” said Pulley.

Pulley says some firms are telling him it could take 6 to 8 months to fix with a high price tag at or above one million dollars.

While the amount of water available is a concern, the quality of the water is not.

Pulley says he wants to stress your water is safe to drink.

“Please be assured that currently we have safe water and the quality is still good,” said Pulley.

He encourages the community to stay informed.