TOWER DELIVERS PLENTY OF WATER PRESSURE

JACKSON -- Residents of Annwood Estates have no shortage of water pressure, and although water pressure of 125 pounds per square inch might be a little higher than recommended, most residents of the new subdivision aren't complaining.

The new and improved water pressure occurred when Jackson put its new water tower on line in late December, causing minor problems for some residents and contractors building homes in the subdivision. The water tower was built last year between Jackson and Cape Girardeau next to Interstate 55.

Jackson's city administrator, Steve Wilson, attributed the problems to "pressure spikes" that occurred when city workers filled the water tower.

The process began in October, when workers mechanically increased water pressure for a trial run. They left it that way for two months.

As the tower was being filled in late December, water customers experienced pressure spikes of about 175 pounds per square inch, Wilson said. The spikes were caused over a two-day period as crews adjusted the telemetry.

And because most pressure valves are set at between 120 and 150 pounds per square inch, the spikes presented problems for some pressure release valves on water heaters.

"You can punch information into the computer," said Wilson of the telemetry problems. "You can tell what the tower height is and what the water pressure is supposed to be, but when you put it on line, you really see what it will be."

Michael Annis, a contractor building homes in the new subdivision, said crews had to replace pressure release valves on water heaters in five homes following the pressure spikes.

"But you have to give Jackson credit," he said. "They called me and went door to door telling people about the problem."

Some residents already living in Annwood Estates noticed water near their water heaters, but that problem disappeared.

"Everything is fine now," said Gary Roth, one of Annwood's residents. "I saw a little water one day and that was it."

Four other homeowners also said that some days water -- probably released from the water heater -- was noticeable in their basements, but no one complained of any damage because most basements were unfinished.

The administrator said problems with the pressure valves were isolated to Annwood Estates, which has about 40 homes.

Wilson said the pressure in Annwood is about 125 pounds per square inch now -- even though he estimated 80 pounds per square inch was the most desirable -- and that Annwood Estates residents are happy to have decent water pressure.

But Junior Williams, a Jackson plumber in the business for 35 years, said he usually sets water pressure for homes between 40 and 60 psi. Anything higher, he said, wears out faucets too quickly, and people with 125 psi should consider putting pressure-reducing valves on their lines.

Now the city is working on automatic telemetry for the tower, which will keep workers from having to turn controls that fill the tower each night. Sensors will read the amount of water in the tank and allow a certain amount of water in.

According to Wilson, the city's next proposed spot for a water tower is in the industrial park.