Gheen Reservoir mixing system installation completed

The installation of a mixing system for the Fallbrook Public Utility District’s Gheen Reservoir was completed in mid-June.

“That’s one of a series of mixing systems that we have purchased over time to improve the water quality in our storage reservoirs,” said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

“It’s basically to maintain water quality in the tank so we don’t have to waste water,” said FPUD assistant general manager Jack Bebee.

If stratification causes low chlorine residuals, the residual levels must be maintained either by adding additional chemicals or by flushing the water. A submersible mixing system helps maintain uniform mixing and chlorine residuals and thus reduces the risk of stratification during low water demand periods.

Two companies manufacture submersible mixing systems for drinking water reservoirs, and both responded to FPUD’s request for proposals. Medora Corporation of Dickinson, N.D., submitted a $29,260 bid for its SolarBee mixer system while D&H Water Systems, the Oceanside-based manufacturer’s representative for the Pax Mixer system, submitted a $39,830 bid. On April 28, FPUD’s board voted 3-1, with Archie McPhee opposed and Bert Hayden absent, to award the contract to Medora Corporation.

The FPUD action also approved a four-year extended warranty which covers all parts and labor. The $2,400 cost of that warranty brought the total amount to $31,660. Although FPUD’s 2013-14 capital budget only earmarked $30,000 for the Gheen Reservoir mixing system, other completed projects with balances made the additional $1,660 available.

The Gheen Reservoir, which is accessed from a driveway on the south side of East Mission Road and is close to Fallen Leaf Lane and Hamilton Lane, has a capacity of 6 million gallons.