HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Questions were asked recently about Hutchinson’s deep disposal wells.

The wells are part of the reverse osmosis water treatment plant. The questions arose during the public forum on seismic activity in the county.

While the disposal wells have no effect on any earthquake activity, some things have caught the attention of Public Works Director Brian Clennan. He says the wells used for disposing wastewater from the reverse osmosis plant are in good shape:

 

Still, the city is watching the wells closely because of an issue that could shorten their lifespan. Clennan explains:

 

Clennan says the city is taking steps to make sure the wells can continue to serve the R.O. plant beyond 20 years:

 

The R.O. plant stopped the spread of groundwater pollution that existed on the city’s east side. That water is pumped into the R.O. plant and blended with city well water. The waste that is left over is pumped into the deep disposal wells.