Comments on: State Inspection Of Century Water System Finds 35 Possible Violations, Including Low Chlorine And Falsification Of Records http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records Local News for Molino, Bratt, McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill, Cantonment Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:45:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: jb http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533607 jb Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:57:29 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533607 CENTURY COUNTRY GIRL Where did you get that info? Escambia County is #37 and Santa Rosa County is #45 in the survey that I checked. Might want to look up facts before you post stupid stuff. CENTURY COUNTRY GIRL Where did you get that info? Escambia County is #37 and Santa Rosa County is #45 in the survey that I checked. Might want to look up facts before you post stupid stuff.

]]> By: Steve http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533578 Steve Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:50:29 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533578 Lawyer up ! Lawyer up !

]]> By: Rodney Burkett http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533558 Rodney Burkett Tue, 06 Feb 2024 23:40:35 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533558 So Trust me thinks that title equals trust. Designing something is a far cry from it working, and certainly doesn't mean you can run it. Would love to have a dollar for every time operators have had to redesign or reengineer an item just to make it work the way it should. Some designers/ engineers actually listen and try to learn a system before shoving a design a computer said would work. But unfortunately many assume they're degree makes them right and infallible, as did this inspector. I also realize that most people who post here as you are don't know what you think you know. It is easy to rush to judgement, especially when it is not your own situation being judged. There are many more factors at play here, and anyone in this situation would like to have the benefit of the doubt, you know what our legal system is based on. So Trust me thinks that title equals trust. Designing something is a far cry from it working, and certainly doesn’t mean you can run it. Would love to have a dollar for every time operators have had to redesign or reengineer an item just to make it work the way it should. Some designers/ engineers actually listen and try to learn a system before shoving a design a computer said would work. But unfortunately many assume they’re degree makes them right and infallible, as did this inspector.
I also realize that most people who post here as you are don’t know what you think you know. It is easy to rush to judgement, especially when it is not your own situation being judged. There are many more factors at play here, and anyone in this situation would like to have the benefit of the doubt, you know what our legal system is based on.

]]> By: Rodney Burkett http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533553 Rodney Burkett Tue, 06 Feb 2024 21:33:11 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533553 Mr. Jernigan, I realize that you are not aware of all the information pertaining to this situation, so I'm going look past your attempts to slander me. It is unfortunate though that without the facts your assuming that the report is all on the level. But any operator with enough experience and know how would have the ability to know that all these things do not make a systems water quality. Now these items do make things look better if all can be reasonably done by a staff of multiple operators and other support personnel. Yes it takes more than one person to do more than the bare bones minimum and continuously put out one fire after another. Operating just a water system with one is tough enough, but try operating a full water system and wastewater system by yourself, and that includes doing almost all the distribution system repairs and service installations. What is more concerning is the inspector was well aware of the fact that the operator was operating two systems by himself and chose to not only look for every petty issue he could, he also decided to make it personal. Not only is that unprofessional,it's outside the policies of DEP, and puts DEP in a bad position. There is nothing wrong with listing items as all inspectors do. But to make personal attacks and call up the operator afterwards and make personal threats, that is way over the top and not necessary. The inspectors personal feelings should never be inserted in the report nor any other place or time. To address your comment concerning no system having these issues. You are completely wrong, these are common items, I've personally worked for systems that have had worse conditions and worse log books. Of course every system can be improved, some more than others. Can Century improve these things, certainly, but without the proper funding and proper staffing any operator has to do what they are able to do with what they have. Mr. Jernigan, I realize that you are not aware of all the information pertaining to this situation, so I’m going look past your attempts to slander me. It is unfortunate though that without the facts your assuming that the report is all on the level. But any operator with enough experience and know how would have the ability to know that all these things do not make a systems water quality. Now these items do make things look better if all can be reasonably done by a staff of multiple operators and other support personnel. Yes it takes more than one person to do more than the bare bones minimum and continuously put out one fire after another. Operating just a water system with one is tough enough, but try operating a full water system and wastewater system by yourself, and that includes doing almost all the distribution system repairs and service installations. What is more concerning is the inspector was well aware of the fact that the operator was operating two systems by himself and chose to not only look for every petty issue he could, he also decided to make it personal. Not only is that unprofessional,it’s outside the policies of DEP, and puts DEP in a bad position. There is nothing wrong with listing items as all inspectors do. But to make personal attacks and call up the operator afterwards and make personal threats, that is way over the top and not necessary. The inspectors personal feelings should never be inserted in the report nor any other place or time.
To address your comment concerning no system having these issues. You are completely wrong, these are common items, I’ve personally worked for systems that have had worse conditions and worse log books. Of course every system can be improved, some more than others. Can Century improve these things, certainly, but without the proper funding and proper staffing any operator has to do what they are able to do with what they have.

]]> By: Trust me, I know http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533497 Trust me, I know Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:00:55 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533497 This “is” a big deal, I have designed and installed monitored deep well systems, sewage treatment plants, lift stations, chlorination and de-chlorination systems for SCADA reporting to State and Federal entities. If water is being used for “Potable” purposes it must be sampled, treated and monitored at all times. Deep well flow meters must be re-certified every year and inoperable units replaced immediately, the SCADA system will alarm immediately when it goes down, this is not rocket science, a good mechanic with hand tools can change out an entire flow meter in 4 hours. Unlabeled primary and secondary containers are not acceptable. No, I don’t believe other major water treatment entities are in this shape. This “is” a big deal, I have designed and installed monitored deep well systems, sewage treatment plants, lift stations, chlorination and de-chlorination systems for SCADA reporting to State and Federal entities.
If water is being used for “Potable” purposes it must be sampled, treated and monitored at all times.
Deep well flow meters must be re-certified every year and inoperable units replaced immediately, the SCADA system will alarm immediately when it goes down, this is not rocket science, a good mechanic with hand tools can change out an entire flow meter in 4 hours.
Unlabeled primary and secondary containers are not acceptable.
No, I don’t believe other major water treatment entities are in this shape.

]]> By: Century Country Girl http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533495 Century Country Girl Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:45:47 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533495 Did you know that Escambia county & Santa Rosa County, Fl ha ve the most cases of cancer in the Whole State of Florida? We pay for it in our Insurance premiums too! Did you know that Escambia county & Santa Rosa County, Fl ha ve the most cases of cancer in the Whole State of Florida? We pay for it in our Insurance premiums too!

]]> By: Randy Jernigan http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533487 Randy Jernigan Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:39:23 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533487 Falsifying records is not an insignificant issue. They will take your license and put you in jail. Having no chlorine in the system is a significant threat to public health. The fact the these indefensible issues are being defended makes me question that operators ability and integrity. ( Even if it is his father). My name is included. Falsifying records is not an insignificant issue. They will take your license and put you in jail. Having no chlorine in the system is a significant threat to public health. The fact the these indefensible issues are being defended makes me question that operators ability and integrity. ( Even if it is his father). My name is included.

]]> By: Connie Brookhart http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533482 Connie Brookhart Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:42:52 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533482 I am completely dumbfounded that this many violations have been found and yet nothing is really being done to change the issue. I work for a water utility, and I can tell you that there would be people fired for such issues. I know that someone other than the operator should have known this, is there no management or supervision? Just looking at the pictures you can clearly see very little Maintenace has been done for upkeep. I know firsthand that the water leak crossing the road on Hecker was a mess, dirt continually washing away to create a hole, now it has the largest speed bump over it. Really is this how you fix the leak and pavement? I am so stressed just to know that the people in charge in Century are the ones that make decisions regarding the grant monies given to the town, who knows where that will go. I am just glad that I do not rely on Century's water to drink, I either use bottled water or carry water from my work. To me these are large deficiencies as we all pay the price monthly to have safe and reliable drinking water. I am completely dumbfounded that this many violations have been found and yet nothing is really being done to change the issue. I work for a water utility, and I can tell you that there would be people fired for such issues. I know that someone other than the operator should have known this, is there no management or supervision? Just looking at the pictures you can clearly see very little Maintenace has been done for upkeep. I know firsthand that the water leak crossing the road on Hecker was a mess, dirt continually washing away to create a hole, now it has the largest speed bump over it. Really is this how you fix the leak and pavement? I am so stressed just to know that the people in charge in Century are the ones that make decisions regarding the grant monies given to the town, who knows where that will go. I am just glad that I do not rely on Century’s water to drink, I either use bottled water or carry water from my work. To me these are large deficiencies as we all pay the price monthly to have safe and reliable drinking water.

]]> By: Rodney Burkett http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533476 Rodney Burkett Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:44:40 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533476 IMHO, hiding behind an acronym , interesting. Yes fear mongering, all these issues are very common and very slight, and have no significant effect on water quality. You are correct, I do know. I know the difference between between what is detrimental and insignificant. What the most concerning is the person inspecting doesn't know the difference, and lacks the experience and know how to differentiate between the two. I understand that individuals who lack experience with water treatment facilities don't understand why corrosion happens in water and waste water facilities, but a person doing an inspection should know, but it is obvious they do not, nor the person pushing this agenda. Any system in this country could be written up for these items, but most are not, because they are not significant. Can these items be improved? Certainly! With the proper staffing and plenty of money, these mostly aesthetic issues can be addressed and maintained better. Again these things occur because of conditions mostly, not lack of want to or ability. As an example, say someone hires you to restore a car, you know how and you want to restore it correctly, not leaving nothing untouched, but the person who hired you says, I wanted it restored with $100, well you know full well it cannot be done properly for that, and you advise the owner of that, but they fail to secure the money do it. So you have 2 choices, you need the job, you either do what you can with the $100, or you quit and be without a job. There is plenty of blame to go around, and that is the easy part. But in the end blame doesn't solve anything. I know from experience what it is like to be in this position, and I know from experience what needs to be done, and it ain't firing the operator. What needs to be done is give the operator everything they need, don't hesitate to give them authority to handle all parts of the job, not just the part you want to blame them for. The fact that this system is running as good as it is, in the conditions that have been put upon the employees, is no small task. Administration has to find the way to properly fund necessary services, period. People in this forum, ask yourself. How much is my services worth to me? How much am I willing to pay for shining well houses and 100 percent no corrosion in the building? Because these items are extremely expensive. It just like example of the car. If you want it done perfectly, then you have to come off the money. Get the funding right, get the staffing to proper levels, take away the political road blocks and individuals trying to sabotage the town for profit, and you will see these issues go away. IMHO, hiding behind an acronym , interesting. Yes fear mongering, all these issues are very common and very slight, and have no significant effect on water quality. You are correct, I do know. I know the difference between between what is detrimental and insignificant. What the most concerning is the person inspecting doesn’t know the difference, and lacks the experience and know how to differentiate between the two. I understand that individuals who lack experience with water treatment facilities don’t understand why corrosion happens in water and waste water facilities, but a person doing an inspection should know, but it is obvious they do not, nor the person pushing this agenda.
Any system in this country could be written up for these items, but most are not, because they are not significant. Can these items be improved? Certainly! With the proper staffing and plenty of money, these mostly aesthetic issues can be addressed and maintained better. Again these things occur because of conditions mostly, not lack of want to or ability.
As an example, say someone hires you to restore a car, you know how and you want to restore it correctly, not leaving nothing untouched, but the person who hired you says, I wanted it restored with $100, well you know full well it cannot be done properly for that, and you advise the owner of that, but they fail to secure the money do it. So you have 2 choices, you need the job, you either do what you can with the $100, or you quit and be without a job.
There is plenty of blame to go around, and that is the easy part. But in the end blame doesn’t solve anything. I know from experience what it is like to be in this position, and I know from experience what needs to be done, and it ain’t firing the operator. What needs to be done is give the operator everything they need, don’t hesitate to give them authority to handle all parts of the job, not just the part you want to blame them for. The fact that this system is running as good as it is, in the conditions that have been put upon the employees, is no small task. Administration has to find the way to properly fund necessary services, period. People in this forum, ask yourself. How much is my services worth to me? How much am I willing to pay for shining well houses and 100 percent no corrosion in the building? Because these items are extremely expensive. It just like example of the car. If you want it done perfectly, then you have to come off the money. Get the funding right, get the staffing to proper levels, take away the political road blocks and individuals trying to sabotage the town for profit, and you will see these issues go away.

]]> By: I Don't Know is on third (ugh!) http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/state-inspection-of-century-water-system-finds-35-possible-violations-including-low-chlorine-and-falsification-of-records/comment-page-1#comment-533470 I Don't Know is on third (ugh!) Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:23:02 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=538990#comment-533470 Hmmm...sooo...... "Findings included improper safety equipment and insufficient chlorine in the water, an emergency plan dated 2012, and 55-gallon drums stored in one well with an unknown substance for at least four years." ... meaning the current mayor and council inherited the problems. Seems the previous council and mayor which included Boutwell, Gomez, Lewis and Jackson, were not equipped to handle these issues or they took time to hide, bury or overlook them. While I agree that Mayor Gomez is COMPLETELY clueless and he is completely unequipped to right the ship, stop the carnage or read a report with ANY comprehension...to blame the current council for an obvious mistake by the previous council is insane...especially when complaining and sitting on your hands does not fix a thing. This falls squarely on the shoulders of the Mayor, who by the charter is the CEO of the Town and must be aware of the issues and the Mayor is responsible to report findings to the council to take action. CLEARLY...several Mayors and Councilmembers have dropped this ball years ago...and the easiest thing to do blame whomever is sitting there now. I wholeheartedly agree with James Smith ..."Idiots in charge of Century, how can the citizens not stand up for themselves." Hmmm…sooo…… “Findings included improper safety equipment and insufficient chlorine in the water, an emergency plan dated 2012, and 55-gallon drums stored in one well with an unknown substance for at least four years.” … meaning the current mayor and council inherited the problems. Seems the previous council and mayor which included Boutwell, Gomez, Lewis and Jackson, were not equipped to handle these issues or they took time to hide, bury or overlook them. While I agree that Mayor Gomez is COMPLETELY clueless and he is completely unequipped to right the ship, stop the carnage or read a report with ANY comprehension…to blame the current council for an obvious mistake by the previous council is insane…especially when complaining and sitting on your hands does not fix a thing. This falls squarely on the shoulders of the Mayor, who by the charter is the CEO of the Town and must be aware of the issues and the Mayor is responsible to report findings to the council to take action. CLEARLY…several Mayors and Councilmembers have dropped this ball years ago…and the easiest thing to do blame whomever is sitting there now.

I wholeheartedly agree with James Smith …”Idiots in charge of Century, how can the citizens not stand up for themselves.”

]]>