Columbia Water and Light sees small improvement of water pressure in southwest Columbia

After the city of Columbia announced in mid-July that residents in parts of southwest Columbia should follow a voluntary irrigation schedule, officials have noticed a three to four pound improvement of water pressure.

The Columbia Water and Light Advisory Board discussed in a meeting early Wednesday morning what the water pressure readings were after the southwestern residents were notified.

Water operation employees for the city said they still received a low pressure warning, but at the 31 pounds per square inch, or psi, mark.

If the psi reaches below 20, it can cause a backflow, where contaminants could be transferred into the water distribution system.

Also, the water pressure needs to stay above 20 psi to ensure that fire hydrants can work properly.

Members of the board suggested the water operation employees to contact the homeowners associations in the area so more residents can participate in the irrigation schedule and reduce the risk of a boil advisory.

The city has also been offering local water irrigation contractors $25 per customer to have their systems changed to the irrigation schedule.

Floyd Turner, Columbia Water Distribution manager, said changing irrigation schedules does not cost residents any money.

At this time, only 40 percent of the residents are following the schedule.