Project Spotlight: Vermillion Water Project

A two-phase project in the City of Vermillion is working to resolve many water issues, including the presence of sludge-filled and corroded pipes. (Courtesy Photo.)

Residents in the City of Vermillion are celebrating improved water quality following the completion of the first phase of a major water infrastructure project that provides the community with a new, reliable source of clean water.

Addressing a Critical Community Need

For years, Vermillion's original water system, dating back to approximately 1934, struggled with significant water quality issues. The city's well contained high concentrations of iron and manganese, causing discolored, foul-smelling water and frequent system flushing in an attempt to improve water quality.

Residents often adjusted their laundry schedules around flushing events to keep white clothing from becoming stained. More importantly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined the water was unsafe for infants to drink.

A comparison of water being flushed before (left) the new water source was connected and after (right). (Courtesy Photo.)

The City of Vermillion, with a population of approximately 80 residents, worked to maintain the aging system by making incremental water rate increases. However, the infrastructure needs eventually exceeded what the community could fund on its own.

Funding a Long-Term Solution

The city first secured a USDA SEARCH grant to complete preliminary testing for new well locations before moving forward with a two-phase approach to modernize its water system.

For Phase 1, the City of Vermillion received:

• $252,000 through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce

• A $415,000 USDA Rural Development loan

• A $1,890,000 USDA Rural Development grant

These funding sources made it possible to begin replacing the community's aging water infrastructure.

"Improving the water quality is a critical need for a community—and it was impacting Vermillion's growth overall," said Amanda Horn, NCRPC Community Development Representative.

Phase 1 Improvements

The primary focus of the first phase was developing and connecting a new municipal water well to provide residents with a dependable source of clean water.

Additional Phase 1 improvements include:

• Construction of a new hydracone water tower

• Removal and disposal of the original water tower

• Connection of the new water supply to the community

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC), with Amanda Horn serving as project lead, provided planning assistance, grant writing, and project administration.

Other key Kansas partners included:

• CES Group, Inc. of Marysville (engineering)

• J&K Contracting of Junction City

• Jadwin Construction of Hiawatha

• Gerard Tank and Steel of Concordia

• Terrane Resources of Stafford

Overcoming Project Challenges

Like many infrastructure projects, the Vermillion Water Project faced rising construction costs and supply chain challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original project estimates were completed before costs increased dramatically, creating potential funding challenges. Through collaboration among project partners, however, the project continued moving forward.

"Huge credit goes to everyone who has assisted with this project," Horn said. "I feel like each entity has gone the extra mile for the town in order to make things work."

Looking Ahead to Phase 2

Although additional work remains, residents are already experiencing the benefits of cleaner water.

"I washed a load of white clothes the other day and they came out looking as white as they did going in," one resident commented. "I never used to buy white clothes because they would come out yellow."

Another resident shared:

"Everyone has been wanting this for Vermillion for years. Good water is a must, and now we have it!"

The second phase of the project will focus on upgrading the community's water distribution infrastructure to support Vermillion's future growth and reliability for decades to come.

"I call Vermillion my 'miracle' city," Horn said. "They have gotten a lot right that not many cities could. They are an example to any small town that big things are possible."