Sussex to change water filtration system

SUSSEX — The Sussex Borough Council unanimously agreed to change to a cartridge filter system at the Sussex Water Treatment Plant during its Tuesday, Dec. 17, meeting.

Spectraserv, Inc., of Kearny, will install the new system at the platn, which will replace the previously approved bag filter system.

Municipal Clerk/Administrator Mark Zschack said the cartridge method would be the better solution as reported by Engineer Michael Vreeland.

Initially, the cartridge method will require more expensive piping and design. Therefore, the slightly different technology will cost the borough about an additional $5,500 more than the original bid of around $38,000.

In the long run, however, the cartridge filter system will trap more dirt from water during high flow times than the bag filter system. There also would be lower operating costs, Zschack said.

The Borough is allowed a 20 percent change on orders, so the council is within legal parameters.

Also, if desired later, the borough would be able to convert to a bag system.