By Bonnie Crosser
The importance of the Oriental Water Advisory Water Board’s efforts were once again brought to center stage with Oriental having to shut off water to ALL residents and businesses/restaurants on Monday, Feb. 3, to make a repair on a water line. The water was shut off from around 11am until 4pm.
Additionally, once the water came back on the Town was on a BOIL WATER ADVISORY from Monday late afternoon until 2:20pm on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Projects currently underway will address this and other issues in the future when completed. Oriental will have the ability to section off water management/repair on an as-needed basis.
Oriental Water System Improvement Projects $5.4 Million
In December 2023, Oriental was awarded this funding to improve its aging Water System. Senator Norman Sanderson and Representative Keith Kidwell were the driving forces behind this funding, along with Oriental Commissioner Frank Roe. The goal of the project is to address Oriental’s aging water distribution infrastructure and water plant operating equipment.
The town of Oriental has been experiencing degradation of the valves within the system to the point the entire town has water shutoff to make repairs on water lines within the community. The replacement of critical water plant assets is below State recommendation of 50 percent depreciation. The last audit reported that the Town’s Water Plant was at 37 percent. This means the equipment is fully depreciated and a replacement strategy is required.
Additionally, residents have been experiencing diminished water pressure throughout the community. The Water System Improvements will be completed in three concurrent projects on individual timelines to allow for maximum schedule efficiency: 1) Water System Valve Rehabilitation – to replace the nonfunctional valves and section areas within the community. 2) White Farm Road Booster Station – address the pressure issues to Dolphin Point and to stabilize chlorine residuals in the system. 3) Water Treatment Rehabilitation – which will address the aging infrastructure within the Water Plant.
The backup Generator for the Water Plant is circa 1970. The Water Advisory Board is comprised with the following members: Daniel Early, ORC (Operator in Responsible Charge) Water Treatment Plant and Public Works Director for Town of Oriental, B-Well, B Distribution, Cross Connection, Physical Chemical. Jeffery Sanders, Wastewater ORC Pamlico County, A-Well, A-Distribution, Cross Connection, Physical Chemical 2.
The Board believes there is extreme value working together with the Town of Oriental and Pamlico County. In addition we have two extremely experienced professional individuals of the community join as well: Steven Drew, Director of Water Resources City of Greensboro Retired, A Surface Water and C Well Water Treatment Facility Operator. Richard Guimond, Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Retired, former Vice President for Environment, Health and Safety for the Carrier and Motorola Corporations, with extensive experience in Water Distribution Systems.
Rounding out the Board are the representatives from the Oriental Board of Commissioners: Chair Bonnie Crosser, CPA; Allen Price; and. Town Manager Diane Miller. This past year the Water Advisory Board members have been instrumental in the execution of the preliminary phases of the project: 1) Selection of the Engineering Firm TRC Companies, 2) Completion of the water distribution system asset inventory and assessment, 3) Engineering recommendations and definition of the the three (3) projects. We anticipate to begin construction in a 6 to 10 month timeframe – after completing Design, Permitting, and Bidding processes for the Water System Valve Rehabilitation and White Farm Road Booster Stations. The Water Treatment Rehabilitation project has an earlier anticipated start date. The Water Advisory Board meets the second Friday of each month at 9:00am, Town Hall. Additionally, information regarding the Board and the projects are available on the Town website under Government – Water Advisory Board.
