Madison Utilities controls water and wastewater supplies for the city. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison’s drinking water has passed the test – actually, many tests, as reported in the 2013 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report from Madison Utilities, which controls the city’s water and wastewater.

“The system received two awards that reinforce our commitment to excellence,” general manager Emory DeBord said. Customers received the report by mail in June.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management presented the “Two-Year Optimized Plant Award” for the Bressette-Quarry Water Treatment Plant to Madison Utilities. The Centers for Disease Control and U. S. Department of Health and Human Resources issued the “Water Fluoridation Quality Award.”

In 2014, “we will expand our wastewater treatment plant and one water treatment plant to ensure we meet seasonal demands,” DeBord said. “We are continuing the permit process … to withdraw water from the Tennessee River.”

Eleven groundwater sources supplied the city’s water: Fiorentino, Drake, New Gillespie, Collier, McCrary, Williams, Hardiman, Nickelson, Rowe, Triana and Murphy wells.

Water from the Drake, Rowe, Triana, Collier and Murphy wells is treated at the Quarry Water Treatment plant. Water from Fiorentino, New Gillespie, McCrary, Williams, Hardiman and Nickelson wells is treated at the Keene Water Treatment Plant.

Madison Utilities has completed plans for source water assessment, susceptibility and wellhead protection. These extensive documents are available at the utility office, DeBord said.

Madison Utilities is required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis.

“Rainfall for 2013 was close to normal historical averages. Water supply was ample to supply the area needs and our system performed well,” DeBord said. While not expecting any water shortages this summer, DeBord encourages wise water usage.

The Water and Wastewater Board meets on the first and third Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the board’s office, 101 Ray Sanderson Drive, just off Palmer Road.

The board’s office staff includes finance manager Gary Sparks, wastewater superintendent Mark Bland, water superintendent Jason Leggett, customer service supervisor Misty Leftwich and executive secretary Nan Futch.

For more information about the report, call Alex Beck at 256-772-0253 or visit madisonwaterboard.org.