Mauricio “Juan” Aparicio Keeps Watch on Emmet’s Water
Mauricio Aparicio known by everyone as Juan, is in charge of many things in Emmet and is a general handyman for the city. He has lived in the area for twenty-five years and received many trainings during this time period. One of his most important tasks is maintaining the city’s water supply and sewage.
Aparicio was part for group effort to repaint the water tower, redo the overflow valve, and the chlorine mixing in order meet the state regulations. Also involved were the Mayor, the City Council and Southwest Planning and Development District. These towers must be inspected, painted and washed every five years with a letter sent to the state certifying that it was done. Aparicio is responsible for ensuring the water levels are maintained. The tank has a storage capacity of twenty feet, but the water is cut off at 18 to make sure it doesn’t overflow. A machine he demonstrated charts the level and if it drops below 14 feet, he must find out why and if it drops really low a boil water alert is sent out.
The city has two wells with one pumping 105 gallons per minute and the other one 210. Aparico is responsible for checking the chlorine levels and sending samples to the health department. He also is the plumbing inspector, maintenance mechanic, street repairman, and fire truck repairman.
Aparico said the water rates are determined by state and federal regulations and despite being a smaller city, Emmet residents still must abide by the regulations. The city itself is liable if it fails to meet standards in terms of tap water quality. Since cutting corners can cause problems later on, Aparico is a believer in following the rules.
Aparicio just returned from a water conference in Hot Springs. There are 619 water utilities in the state. 13 of them entered a competition for water quality.
Emmet won second place.
Emmet won second place.