Farmington’s Water Pollution Control Authority Reports Record Cost Savings and Infrastructure Updates
The February 12, 2025, meeting of the Farmington Water Pollution Control Authority covered key updates on wastewater treatment efficiency, infrastructure maintenance, and a costly oversight in sewer use billing. Officials highlighted significant cost savings, particularly in nitrogen removal, and reviewed ongoing maintenance challenges at pump stations across the town.
Nitrogen Removal Hits Record Efficiency, Chemical Costs Near Zero
The wastewater treatment plant continues to operate well within permit limits, with an average nitrogen removal efficiency surpassing previous years. The facility treated an average of 2.8 million gallons per day in January, with a 97.2% efficiency for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 98.8% for Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
A major highlight was a significant reduction in nitrogen output without the use of costly chemical additives. “We were under by another eight pounds this year, all without using any chemicals,” officials reported. The nitrogen permit limit has held at 178 pounds per year since 2015, but in 2024, Farmington averaged 134 pounds—44 pounds below permit levels.
This efficiency translates into continued state funding through nitrogen credit sales. “If we paid for 40 pounds, we’d owe about $70,000, but instead, we’ve been earning credit from the state,” an official explained. At its peak, Farmington was receiving $135,000 in state payments for nitrogen reduction efforts.
Phosphorus removal remains similarly efficient. The town spent $5,000 on phosphorus-removal chemicals this year—only to clear out three-year-old leftover stock. With the system functioning optimally, officials anticipate future costs to drop to zero unless increased flows necessitate additional treatment.
Pump Station Maintenance and Equipment Issues
The committee reviewed ongoing maintenance challenges at the town’s pump stations:
- Snowberry Pump Station: A pump failure on January 19 was traced to rags and debris clogging the system. Corroded mounting flanges are preventing a proper seal, leading to “blowback” issues. Officials are exploring different mounting solutions.
- Deadwood Pump Station: A new heater was installed, and routine inspections were completed.
- SCADA System: Operators are keeping a close eye on aging Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) batteries, which typically last five to six years but can cause widespread system failures if they fail unexpectedly.
- Town Infrastructure Cleaning: Crews assisted the highway department with storm drain cleaning and performed routine vacuuming and waxing of the Vactor truck in preparation for spring operations.
Sewer Backups, Odors, and Resident Complaints
Farmington WPCA addressed multiple resident complaints regarding sewer odors and water quality.
- 47 Tunxis Village: A sewer backup was found to be a private line issue, with no town blockages detected.
- 599 Farmington Avenue: Reports of sewer odors could not be confirmed. A follow-up inspection was scheduled.
- Cloudy Water Complaints: Some residents reported milky or cloudy water. Officials explained that this is due to air bubbles introduced by water pumps—harmless but visually unappealing.
Billing Error Costs Homeowners Association $24,000
A significant billing miscalculation resulted in four years of overcharges for a local homeowners association.
The issue stemmed from an irrigation meter miscalculation, incorrectly inflating a $260 annual sewer fee to $7,443 per year. The error went unnoticed for four of the past six years, totaling $24,000 in overcharges.
Officials acknowledged the oversight: “With 250 commercial accounts and 200 miles of sewer, mistakes happen. Unfortunately, this one slipped through multiple reviews.” While three years of overcharges were refunded, the fourth year required additional board approval. The reimbursement was granted.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Sewer Assessments
The WPCA approved a public hearing for March 12, 2025, to discuss 2025-2026 sewer assessments. Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend.
Farmington Storage: Because Your Canoe Collection Deserves Better Than Your Driveway 🚣♂️
This report is proudly supported by Farmington Storage, your go-to solution for all things stored and secured. Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, we offer climate-controlled units for those rare Connecticut heat waves and winter-proof options for when Mother Nature decides to freeze your moving boxes shut. Give us a call at 860.777.4001—or just show up with your clutter.
Jack Beckett: Powered by Coffee, Skepticism, and Municipal Budgets ☕
Jack Beckett writes for The Farmington Mercury with the precision of a budget spreadsheet and the patience of someone who has sat through every town meeting since before Wi-Fi existed.
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This article was written while consuming three cups of coffee, one stale doughnut, and an existential crisis over municipal wastewater management. 💧
