At exactly 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the LESSALT Treatment Plant went
online, and with it 3 million gallons of better-quality water per
day to area residents.
At exactly 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the LESSALT Treatment Plant went online, and with it 3 million gallons of better-quality water per day to area residents.
More than 80 city and county officials and others attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility, located at the intersection of Fairview and Sunnyslope roads, to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the plant.
“It will provide a substantial portion of the community’s water,” said Hollister Utility Manager Jim Perrine.
The plant is a collaborative effort between the city and the Sunnyslope County Water District. A Joint Powers Authority was formed to own and operate the treatment plant that will eventually enable the water districts to build additional facilities.
During winter months when the demand for water is less, Perrine said the plant will provide 80 percent of the community’s water needs.
Its membrane filtration will help clean, purify and improve the quality of discharge, officials said. It will also reduce the amount of salts returning to the area’s ground water.
“This region of the state Health Department has not seen a membrane filtration (plant) before. It has never issued a permit for this type of treatment plant. It is relativity new to them,” Perrine said. “It was the first time they ever did a permit like this.”
Director Marcel Nelson said it was a wonderful day for the community.
“As the plant gets situated, the customers down the road will benefit from it,” he said. “It has been a real workable situation.”
Hollister Mayor Tony LoBue said it was a long time coming.
“This is a good first step,” LoBue said. “It was a lengthy process to enhance the quality of water.”
With the LESSALT plant in operation, the benefits are two-fold, LoBue said.
“It will improve the quality of drinking water while enhancing our quality of discharge into the groundwater, which is high in salts,” he said.
But the real test came when City Councilmember Pauline Valdivia asked everyone to give a toast with a glass of LESSALT water poured into champagne glasses.
“Go ahead and try it,” said Brandin Roth. “It’s good.”
The water contained no odor, chemicals or mineral taste. It was refreshingly pure, everyone said.
“Cheers,” Valdivia said.
