An irregularity discovered in the City of Callender’s water testing supplies was discovered earlier this year, resulting in an operator surrendering his certification.
The City’s water supply operation permit requires monitoring of free and total chlorine residuals daily at the entry point and in the distribution system. At least two powder pillow packets must be used per day for each of the required tests.
Powder pillow packets are pre-measured, single-dose packets of chemical reagents used for testing various parameters in water samples. The powder pillow is opened and its contents are added to water samples to be tested. The chemical reagents dissolve and react with the target substance in the water sample, producing a color change. The color change represents the concentration of the parameter being tested.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, their Mason City field office received a report in March of this year that the City’s water testing supplies were not depleting at the expected rate. A DNR Environmental Specialist met with John Horrell, the City’s affidavit operator and operator-in-charge, and Mark George, the City’s day to day operator. During the meeting, George admitted to falsifying data and not conducting all of the required monitoring.
An Administrative Consent Order was entered into to resolve the matter. According to the Order, Geroge agreed to voluntarily surrender his water distribution certification, as well as not performing any shift operator responsibilities until July 1st, 2027, at which time he may retest for certification.
According to the City of Callender City Council meeting minutes of May 13th, 2025, it was noted that ‘Everything looks good with water and sewer’.
