Topaz Lake Water Company has applied to the Public Utilities Commission to build a new water treatment plant designed to remove arsenic from the water it supplies to residents and tourists at the Douglas County resort area.
According to studies, arsenic levels from the three wells used by the company range as high as five times the amount of arsenic permitted under federal Clean Water Drinking Act standards.
The company will install a treatment unit built by Adedge Technology capable of treating 150 gallons per minute.
Construction costs are estimated at $625,800 with planning, engineering and regulatory approvals costing another $69,000. Estimated annual maintenance costs are $12,000.
The majority of the project is on land owned by Topaz Lodge. The rest is on land where Douglas County has utility easements already in place. To do the job, the company will have to install 1,766 feet of pipe and rehabilitate at least one of the wells.
According to documents filed with the PUC, the pipe is being installed across previously developed land and alongside roadways in the area of Eureka Street and Topaz Lane. As a result, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection says it will cause no significant environmental impact.
The water company now serves 15 residences and three commercial operations - Topaz Lodge and its 50-space RV Park, the East Fork Fire Department and the Marina along with its 12 space RV park.
The existing system's wells have arsenic levels ranging from 20 to 49 parts per billion. Federal drinking water standards allow a maximum of just 10 ppb.