A water treatment system is needed at Nikiski Fire Station #3 to offset high mineral content for the station’s domestic water supply. That’s according to legislation and supporting documents approved by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during the body’s March 1 meeting.

According to the ordinance passed by the assembly, the need for a water treatment system was determined as a potable water well was being developed. The well was installed as part of the construction of the station, which was completed in 2021. To complete the water treatment system, the Nikiski Fire Service needed to move an additional $10,000 from its capital project fund for the project.

Nikiski Fire Chief Trent Burnett, Kenai Peninsula Borough Purchasing & Contracting Director John Hedges and Finance Director Brandi Harbaugh wrote in a Feb. 3 memo to assembly members that the well, which provides the station with its domestic water needs, revealed that the mineral content of the available aquifers would require additional treatment.

Burnett, Hedges and Harbaugh wrote that a design team is currently working on engineering modifications to the station as well as the design of the new water system.

The Nikiski Fire Service Area Board recommended approval of the ordinance during the body’s Feb. 9 meeting. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly’s full March 1 meeting can be viewed on the assembly’s website at kpb.us.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.