This year, Danville water users are off the hook

By Sarah Arkin

Published: August 18, 2008

The rising cost of chemicals used in water treatment is resulting in higher water bills in some localities across the region, but Danville residents are off the hook this fiscal year.

“In the current budget we should have it covered,” according to water plant manager Barry Dunkley.

The added fuel costs in transporting chemicals is placing a higher price tag on all chemicals.

However, the increase in some chemicals goes beyond transportation costs.

Florosilic acid — or fluoride — is one chemical with a larger price increase. It’s a chemical added to prevent tooth decay. “It’s one we could do without, but don’t do without,” said Dunkley.

Aluminum sulfate, a main treatment chemical that helps remove particulate matter from water, has increased in price between 10 and 20 percent. Sodium hydroxide, another important ingredient used for pH adjustment, has similarly risen in price.

It’s mostly just basic supply and demand that’s driving chemicals up, Dunkley said.

Sodium hydroxide, for example, is a byproduct of fertilizers. When farmers and others need it for fertilizer, it’s in short supply for water treatment. With that particular chemical, he said, Danville is lucky because they can use lime.

Treatment costs also depend on the weather. In a particularly rainy year, treatment will be more expensive. The dry weather this year has been good in terms of budget.

Dunkley said possible changes in the price of chemicals are considered when developing the annual budget. Vendors, he said, will also let them know if they expect increases, but they can’t predict the market either.

“Because of the uncertainty of the (price of) chemicals, we try to include enough buffer,” he said.

• Contact Sarah Arkin at (434) 791-7983 or