Jackson will consult with engineering firm to fix rusty water

Jackson city officials announced Friday that repairing problems discovered during water line maintenance last week in the Forest Acres subdivision will require an extensive engineering plan.

Approximately three feet of an old, four-inch diameter cast iron pipe was removed from the water main that serves the neighborhood. It was found to contain "a large quantity of iron nodules" known as "tuberculation," according to a release by Rodney Bollinger, director of public works.

"Tuberculation is a common characteristic of longstanding, cast iron pipes and poses no health hazard. It can, however, create undesired cosmetic or aesthetic effects, such as discoloration of water or items that come into contact with that water. The City recognizes that these 'red water' effects are unacceptable and cannot continue," the release said.

The engineering firm Horner & Shifrin Inc. of St. Louis is assisting the city in developing a plan of action. Bollinger said Friday by email that he could not estimate how long it might take to formulate and execute a solution, but it may involve cleaning or replacing the water lines in the general area of Highland Drive, Royal Drive, Shady Lane and East Jackson Trail.

"The long-term solution will be determined by a combination of cost, effectiveness, and many other factors as determined by our consulting engineer in their forthcoming report to the City," Bollinger said.

In the meantime, the city has opened a hydrant and is continuously flushing the lines in an effort to "decrease the amount of 'red water' in the system."

Brenda Wood of Royal Drive addressed the board of aldermen Monday and showed them towels stained by rusty water. She said she has spent more than $1,700 replacing appliances and ruined clothing and household items over the last two years and has contacted the city numerous times to ask them to investigate the problem.

Questions to city officials Friday morning regarding responsibility for property ruined by municipal utilities were not answered by late afternoon.

Stuart Haynes, policy and membership associate for the Missouri Municipal League said by email that cities are "generally immune from lawsuits under the doctrine of sovereign immunity." Haynes said the underlying principal of sovereign immunity is that "citizen lawsuits against governments are in effect lawsuits against themselves and hence don't serve the general public good." Haynes was not aware of any cases in which a city had been ordered to pay for damages to resident's property due to rusty water.

Bollinger said Jackson is working diligently to address the problem and that the city "appreciates the continued understanding and patience" of affected residents.

Wood was hesitant Friday to express confidence in the city's actions thus far.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg," Wood said. "I just want them to pursue it and stay on it ... whatever that takes."

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

Highland Drive, Jackson, MO

Royal Drive, Jackson, MO

Shady Lane, Jackson, MO

East Jackson Trail, Jackson, MO