Ashton water rates doubling to fix high nitrate levels

ASHTON - Water rates in Ashton are likely to double. The City Council has just completed a study on water contaminants, and is asking for public input in the next couple of weeks.

Ashton has had borderline levels of nitrate in it's drinking water for some time, but a just completed study shows that in recent years the problem has gotten worse. High levels of nitrate hurt oxygen levels in the bloodstream, especially in babies and the elderly.

This graph shows that the Department of Environmental Quality maximum allowed nitrate levels is being breached, especially in the last 2 years.

"We've been given a consent order by the DEQ to take care of the problem," said Ashton Mayor Teddy Stronks.

Ultimately that will mean the cost of Ashton water will more than double. Marvin Fielding, one of the engineers involved in the study says implementing water treatment to clean the water up is the route to go. He also says that digging a new well wouldn't solve the problem, because most of the ground water in the area is contaminated.

"There are a number of contributing factors to the nitrate problem. Farming is one. The acquaifer is sensitive, there is a shallow soil column that overlies the basalt. Any nitrate that is applied on that upper layer, travels down into the water really easily," said engineer Marvin Fielding.

Eileen Calonge has been living in Ashton for 67 years. Recently she stopped watering part of her lawn to save money, and while she doesn't want to pay extra for her water, she trusts the council.

"I think the council is trying to do what is best for us as a community. I myself have not been worried about the nitrates. I haven't noticed or experienced any problem, I just drink from my faucet," said Calonge.

Calonge remembers the days when she didn't even have to pay for city water. Now rates start with a base of $17.50 plus 94 cents per 1,000 gallons used. The city is looking at increasing the base rate to $46 with the possibility of increasing the usage rate too.

Before water rates will increase, the city is hosting several discussions. The first meeting to discuss the water problem will be August 19th, 7pm. A location for the meeting has yet to be determined.

The Mayor wants everybody in Ashton to be on the same page, so show up, ask questions, and get involved.

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News & Politics

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• water
• nitrate
• farming
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