Carson Manning Gets Hands-on Experience with City of Kirby

Carson Manning (Guadalupe Co.) recently visited with Gilbert Salas, Director of Public Works for the City of Kirby to to get a behind-the-scenes look at city water wells and other water system infrastructure. Last October, Carson met Mr. Salas as he was exhibiting the Texas 4-H Water Ambassador Program at National Night Out. Carson also had the opportunity to take water samples and analyze them for chlorine to ensure that the water is properly disinfected.

Carson Manning visits with Mr. Gilbert Salas, City of Kirby.

Here's what Carson had to say about his experience ...

"The three most interesting things that I learned about were: 1) when the wells get contaminated, a contractor runs chlorine for 12-24 hours until it meets standards; 2) there is a generator that powers the water well in case of a power outage; and, 3) SAWS (San Antonio Water System) is one of the best water systems in the world.

As a Texas 4-H Water Ambassador, I learned that  the public works director has  a vast amount of responsibilities with his job. They have to keep the citizens safe with the chlorine level in the water and also meet the required guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. I found it very educational about the history of the city that not only I live in but my great grandparents, my grandparents and my parents grew up regarding the water wells and other various things the Director of Public Works Director shared with me. I highly encourage you to also reach out to your public works department where you live, and ask if they will give you the information that mine did."

Carson and Mr. Salas test and record chlorine levels in city water system.

Mr. Salas explains how water is pumped, stored and pressurized for municipal use.