Apalachicola city officials say they’re hopeful their water emergency will ease by the end of this week (in 3 days). But a long-term solution is needed.
The city’s water has stunk badly of sulfide for about two weeks. Apalachicola City Manager Michael Brillhart says that’s partly due to the impact of Hurricane Helene last year, which caused damage to part of the system.
But now, Brillhart says, several of the wells have been treated.
“We’ve recently been able to bring all three portable drinking wells online," he said. "We’ve added some hydrogen peroxide treatment beginning this morning, and so we’re starting to notice that the water is coming out clearer. So, we’re hopeful for great news in the next few days.”
Apalachicola City Commissioner Adriane Elliott says the water system was already in poor condition—then Hurricane Helene brought 65 mile-per-hour winds last year—damaging one of the wells and putting added pressure on the others.
“So, this past Friday evening, we were able to get Well #7, which was the one that was down, back up online," said Elliott. "That’s currently being flushed and chlorinated, so that when it is put fully back into the rotation, that the well is ensured to be clean and will greatly help the amount of water that we’re having to pump.”
Brillhart acknowledges the citizens of Apalachicola aren’t happy with the situation but he says they’ve been getting help. For instance, the Florida Department of Emergency Management has provided water and ice.
“Then we’ve acquired some potable water from the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District here in Franklin County," he said. "And then a lot of organizations have been providing bulk water in water packs, bottled water -- and that’s been phenomenal. So, we’ve had a great outpouring of community support.”
The city had initially hoped to have its water system functional by Friday, June 20.
But Elliott said on June 24 the delay was caused by too-low levels of chlorine in the water system.
The city is also waiting for specialized equipment to overhaul the water system. That’s scheduled to arrive by late August, but Brillhart is hopeful it could come as early as next month.
