Arkansas City Commission Approves Agreement for Cleaning and Inspection of Water Storage Tanks

On June 17, 2025, the Arkansas City Commission approved a resolution allowing Environmental Services to move forward with a critical water infrastructure project.

The Commission accepted an $18,924 base bid from Midco Diving & Marine Services, Inc. to clean and inspect the city’s potable water storage tanks. This work ensures the City remains in compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulations, which require inspections every 3 to 5 years.

Rather than draining the tanks—which wastes water and disrupts service—certified divers will perform the work while the tanks remain in service. This approach saves water and minimizes downtime.

Maintenance will cover the following facilities:

• Bryant Tank
• Chestnut Booster Station Standby
• Charge Tank and Clear Well at the Water Treatment Plant

All divers and equipment will be fully sanitized before entering the tanks. Divers wear fully sealed dry suits and are disinfected with a chlorine solution to eliminate contamination risks. Midco is certified for work in active drinking water systems and will provide video documentation and sediment removal.

The base cost includes standard cleaning and inspections. Additional work, such as heavy sediment removal or epoxy repairs, will be billed at $480/hour through approved change orders.

The project will be funded through the Water Treatment Plant Department’s budget in the Water Fund.