Middleburg council approves up to $70,671.80 contract to inspect, repair Well 4

The Middleburg Town Council voted to authorize the town manager to enter into a contract with Valley Drilling for up to $70,671.80 to inspect, clean if necessary, and replace the drop pipe and pump at Well 4.

The action follows staff reports that Well 4 has shown decreased production. The work approved includes a video inspection to determine whether an acid wash is needed to clear organic growth, and — if warranted — replacement of the drop pipe and pump and increasing the well depth capacity from about 350 feet to 500 feet to provide added buffer against falling water levels.

“Step 1 would be to identify whether we need to perhaps use that cleaning process,” staff said in describing the plan. The staff presentation noted that a video inspection will determine whether the acid wash is required; if the cleaning is not needed, some costs would not be incurred.

The town memo attached to the council item explained that previous drop pipes were stainless steel but that recent quotes showed stainless costs roughly five times higher than domestic galvanized pipe. Staff said the contractor, Valley Drilling, expects modern domestic galvanized drop pipe to last 20–25 years or more.

On a motion presented during the meeting, the council waived procurement requirements “as allowed under Town Code section 20.1-6 due to the unique capabilities of the contractor” and authorized the Town Manager to execute the contract with Valley Drilling in an amount up to $70,671.80 for inspection and cleaning of Well 4 and replacement of the drop pipe and pump. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote in which all members present voted aye.

The council’s decision directs staff to proceed with planning and scheduling the inspection and, depending on the inspection results, the cleaning and replacement work. The video inspection will determine whether the acid wash is required before additional work is authorized.