HILLCREST — Rusty water continues to plague areas in the Village of Hillcrest given the latest testimonies from two residents addressing concerns to trustees Wednesday evening.
The residents on Rosalyn Drive said rust is an issue at least every other day, and has resulted in ruined clothes, necessitating hot water heater tank flushes. Last month trustees gave the nod for a system-wide water modeling to be conducted by Baxter and Woodman, the village engineering firm, at a cost not to exceed $28,000.
The water modeling is a computer simulation of how the water system operates — pumps, tank, supply side, and the distribution with the water mains. Data is recorded and simulations are conducted to determine potential weak points in the village’s water system.
Village trustee Jason Fore suggested ways to remedy the issue for the residents, including more hydrant flushing in the interim while the system testing is underway.

Trustee Rich Elliott presented estimates for one automatic flusher, suggesting it to be permanently installed near River Road at a cost of $3,407. Elliott also said the price for a portable automatic flusher is $2,154, suggesting the village approve one to be used where needed.
“My concern with a permanent one is we just approved spending up to $28,000 (for the water modeling) but we don’t have the data to ensure that it’s the proper placement for a permanent one,” Fore said. “I’d like to see the water flow study before we decide on a location for that flusher.”
Fore added he is not opposed to the permanent flusher, but would like to see it placed in the most optimum location.
President Steve Dodson said he has had conversations with the water technician, Jerry Bevers, who has conducted water testing for the village for a number of years.
Bevers suggested the automatic flushers to help alleviate the rusty water issues.
“I’ve talked to Jerry about it and he said he knew a couple communities that use them and they said it worked great,” Dodson said. “We are only looking at two flushers, one permanent where Regional Ready Mix was at. That where the main draw used to be, and now all of the stuff is settling in the lines now.”
The trustees agreed to include any study results before determining the permanent location. Dodson said it is his intent to include Jim Sparber from Baxter and Woodman and Bevers at the next meeting.