EQUIPMENT SHOULD KEEP WATER FLOWING

After today, power outages won't keep Cape Girardeau residents from getting sufficient water.

Workers will install a 28,000 pound diesel generator today at Water Plant 1 on East Cape Rock Drive. The generator will provide emergency power when the Union Electric has a failure.

"It's quite a concern when you have something as important as your water supply depending on a utility that goes out every so often," said Doug Leslie, public works director. "This will provide a much-needed backup power supply."

Leslie pointed to a three-hour power failure earlier this month that halted water treatment operations. Fortunately, it happened in the wee hours of the morning. A similar experience in the middle of the day would be difficult to handle.

During past power outages, Cape Girardeau residents got water from tower storage or from Water Plant 2, located on South Sprigg Street.

The generator and installation will cost $264,000, Leslie said, but 75 percent of the amount is subsidized by a Economic Development Administration Flood Mitigation Grant.

Cape Girardeau qualified for the grant because of 1993 power failures that halted the city's water supply.

City officials are looking for a way to fund expansion of the East Cape Rock Drive water plant. If the plant is expanded, the generator still will be needed, Leslie said.