GREENWOOD — According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Sebastian County is currently experiencing a severe drought, and according to city and state officials, the lack of rain is to blame for the recent drop in water quality in Greenwood.
The operators of the plants are aware of it and they are doing what they can but until it rains and fills up the reservoir, they are going to struggle.” Stone said he has been in close contact with the James Fork Regional Water District, which provides the majority of Greenwood’s water, and the samples that the Department of Health has been receiving from James Fork have been shown to be safe.
Treatment plants are tested in 10 different areas each month and more frequently when there are any issues.
Donnie Sandifer, general manager at James Fork, said the reservoir is at its lowest point since it was built and is currently 16 feet below normal.
“The lake has turned over,” Sandifer said.
Bodies of water turn over when the warm surface water begins to cool.
As water cools, it becomes dense, causing it to sink.
This dense water forces the water on the bottom to rise, turning over the layers.
Greenwood purchases 80 percent of its water from James Fork during the winter months, according Greg Cross, water treatment director for the city.
Greenwood is under contract with James Fork to buy 15 million gallons each month.