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Burnsville says water is safe; residents unsure

The city is still calibrating a new water treatment plant, which officials say has led to complaints of a foul odor and taste.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 10:59 PM

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Team leader • Dylan Belden 952-882-4938 dbelden@startribune.com Scott County • David Peterson 952-882-9023 dapeterson@startribune.com Dakota County • Katie Humphrey 952-882-9056 katie.humphrey@startribune.com Schools • Sarah Lemagie 952-882-9016 slemagie@startribune.com Dakota County courts, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights • Joy Powell 952-882-9017 jpowell@startribune.com Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley • Dean Spiros 952-882-9203 dspiros@startribune.com Public safety • Abby Simons 612-673-4921 asimons@startribune.com

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More from South Metro

Something's in the water in Burnsville.

Hank Felice won't drink it. Bob Hanscom won't give it to his visiting grandchildren.

Residents all over the city have similar fears and complaints, and Burnsville officials have their hands full trying to make the problem go away.

For two months, the city has been dealing with "getting the kinks out" of the $13 million surface water treatment plant it opened this year. Residents have been assured that the water is safe and that it meets all Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Department of Health standards. But what to do about the complaints of a foul taste and odor?

"We're still trying to learn how to best use the system," said Bud Osmundson, Burnsville director of public works. "We will get through this."

Engineers have traced the problem to algae organic compounds in the water, which have led to complaints of a musty odor, a metallic taste and a chlorine taste and odor. The city is being supplied with water that is a 50-50 mix of treated surface water and well water, and employees have been busy trying to find the right balance in treatment.

City officials knew there would be a learning process at the beginning, but acknowledged that they have run into unexpected complications.

Hanscom has heard the city's claims that the water is safe, but he's not convinced. "We've been told things by the government in the past that didn't turn out to be true," he said.

Felice said he has reached the point where he believes he is entitled to a rebate for paying for water he can't drink. The water has a strong smell of chlorine, he said. At times, he says, it smells like chloroform.

Bassam Bamat, representing the Minnesota Department of Health, tested the water at Felice's home on Thursday and found the total amount of chlorine in the water was low.

"It's something the city can correct," Bamat said. According to Felice, Bamat told him the problem can be corrected by adding ammonia to the water.

"That has not been discussed with the city," Bamat said. "There are a number of ways to correct the problem."

In a report presented to the Burnsville City Council on Tuesday, city officials said they have found that the chlorination equipment has not maintained a consistent dosage and that it will have to be monitored more closely.

Felice is one of five Burnsville residents who have been invited to join a taste test panel. Each member has complained to the city about water quality.

The group had its first meeting Tuesday. Members were given samples of five waters, including the one the city currently offers. Felice said none of the samples had an odor like the water he gets at home.

Dean Spiros • 952-882-9203

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