After Well 1 production dropped this month and a submersible pump was removed for inspection, the Orting City Council on July 30 authorized city staff to proceed with repairs, motor replacement and well redevelopment work to restore the well to service.

Public Works staff explained the contractor had removed the pump for inspection and identified needed wet‑end repairs plus a motor replacement; the contractor recommended airburst cleaning, disinfection and a follow‑up video inspection while the pump is out. Staff said the combined cost for repairs, the cleaning/redevelopment and replacement components could run up to $82,679 in staff estimates; the council authorized a not‑to‑exceed amount of $90,000 to cover contingencies.

Staff noted the city currently meets daily demand, but councillors and staff discussed the city’s resiliency if an extended event (for instance, a large fire or multiple main breaks) were to deplete reservoirs and require rapid recovery. The staff engineer explained that the city can supply normal day‑to‑day demand from remaining sources, but an extended high‑demand event would be challenging without Well 1 online.

Council discussed risks and the lack of a guarantee that redevelopment would increase yield, and staff acknowledged work underground carries some uncertainty. Staff recommended proceeding now because the pump was already removed and remediation work would avoid a second mobilization. The council voted to authorize the mayor or designee to enter an amended contract with the well contractor (JKA Well Drilling) and proceed with redevelopment and repairs up to $90,000.

Outcome: Motion to authorize well repairs and cleaning and redevelopment in a gross amount not to exceed $90,000 passed by voice vote.