WATER QUESTION

Cape Girardeau officials fear that the city's water system may reach its maximum capacity some summer day over the next two years. And the city is thinking about ways to avoid it.

An engineering company has suggested 21 wells a short distance from the Mississippi River, from which Cape Girardeau gets most of its water. The wells would provide an abundance of water that would be easy to treat.

The company earlier had considered a proposal to put 77 wells across the city and install water tanks to which chlorine could be added. However, construction of the 21 wells near the river seems more feasible, the engineering company says. The 21 wells would cost about $11 million, while the 77 wells would cost about $46 million.

There is a possibility voters in Cape Girardeau will be asked in November to fund water improvements through a $25 million bond issue. It would provide the money for the 21 wells and approximately $14 million for expanding the treatment system and other water system improvements. City officials say if the plan is carried out, the city would be capable of supplying enough water to meet the heaviest daily demand over the next 20 years.

The water situation, according to water system manager Tom Taggart, is this:

-- The existing system can produce a maximum of 7.3 million gallons a day.

-- On one day in August 1995, the city used 6.83 million gallons, a record.

-- Thus far this year the peak has been 6.4 million gallons on one day, and it hasn't been a typically hot summer.

Under the plan being discussed, the city would seek a quarter-cent sales tax for 20 years and increase water rates by 2 to 4 percent to pay for the work. There may be other options as well.

The city knew it would soon face this decision when it purchased the system from Union Electric Co. only a few years ago. The urgency of the expansion -- and how to pay for it -- will be a matter of debate among councilmen.

Councilman Melvin Gately wants more information on other options before deciding. He expressed concern over the increase in water fees, calling it a double whammy when coupled with another quarter-cent sales tax for 20 years. On the other hand, without the sales tax, water rates would have to be doubled to pay for the system's expansion.

If the city elects to submit the proposal to a vote in November -- a short three months away -- and expects it to pass, it will have to embark on a massive voter-education program. Voters will have to be convinced that the improvements are needed and that whatever method of financing is proposed is the best there is.