Red River outlines plans for H’wick improvements

Red River Water Authority is moving forward with plans to improve the water supply and resolve pressure issues in the City of Howardwick.

Speaking to city officials and residents at a June 12 city council meeting, Red River’s Utility Supervisor Ron Mullins said the authority will be laying about 4,000 feet of four-inch water line to the Carroll Creek Acres section to improve water pressure.

Mullins said the material for that project has been ordered and installation will begin as soon as it arrives in the city, hopefully this week. The project should take a month or less, he said.

In the meantime, Mullins announced that the entire city remains under a state mandated boil water notice, which will remain in place until the pressure issue is finally resolved. Howardwick residents should boil their tap water before consuming it. Bottled water continues to remain available for residents at City Hall.

Mullins also said there is currently no discussion at Red River about adding new storage capacity but there is some discussion about bringing an old storage tank back in service. The authority is also looking at a plan to install a pressure tank to boost water pressure, and all of the water wells serving the city are being evaluated for capacity.

Water restrictions will remain in place even after the pressure issues are resolved, Mullins said, while Red River reevaluates its drought contingency plans.

Some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the authority’s past performance and what some said was a slow response to the city’s problems. But Mayor Greta Byars, Alderman Johnny Floyd, and City Secretary Sandra Childress asked residents to give Red River a chance to make the promised improvements; and Red River Regional Manager Jason Caldwell said the current management of the authority is entirely new.

“Howardwick is taking precedence over all other Red River Water Authority service areas right now,” Caldwell said. “I give you my word that we are going to do our due diligence to address these issues.”

The authority’s local employee, Walt Rice, also asked for patience.

“I think if you give this new crew a chance, they will do good for you,” Rice said.