By Woodrow Polston
The city of Vandalia received multiple awards during the month of January recognizing both quality and service. One award, was presented by the Department of Commerce, recognizing 35 years of service for contributing weather-related data.
“We record the maximum and minimum temperature on a daily basis at the water plant, including any precipitation there may have been,” said Chief Operator Dave Sanders. “We also measure snowfall. All of the information that we collect is submitted to the National Weather service. This is done every day of the week and even on holidays. All of the data collected by the National Weather Service is released to the public on a regular basis. This service is not something that all cities and municipalities do. It is an important service though, especially as it relates to droughts and other weather related events,” he added.
City Administrator Darren Berry said that for 35 years, the city has been faithfully performing this duty.
“This has been done every day for 35 years, even on weekends and holidays,” said Berry. “I can remember doing this back when I was at the water department years ago. Someone will always make sure to go to the water plant when there is bad weather or heavy snowfall and make sure that the information has been recorded.” he added.
The other award that was received was presented by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It recognizes the city of Vandalia for providing water fluoridation to residents in the area. A letter from the Department of Health and Senior Services stated that Vandalia was recognized for maintaining a consistent level of fluoridated water.
“This award recognizes water systems that have achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoridated water throughout the year 2021. This is an effective and inexpensive method of preventing tooth decay.”
Sanders said that there are about 71.6% of Missouri residents who have access to fluoridated water.
“We are among the 71.6% who receive fluoridated drinking water. I do not know if this is a new award or not, but this is the first time that we have received one in Vandalia. This one is for 2021. I suppose that we will be receiving one for 2022 also when the time comes,” said Sanders. 