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Buckley reports unplanned well repairs; city expects about $20,000 in costs, 17% covered by DSHS
Summary
Director Banks and city engineer Dom told the council a pump failure revealed casing biofouling; contractor cleaning and sump remediation are underway and are expected to cost roughly $20,000, with an estimated 17% share to be covered by DSHS.
Director Banks reported at the Feb. 4 study session that unplanned repairs at one of Buckley’s well sites are underway after a pump failure and a video inspection showed the well casing was heavily encrusted.
Why it matters: The work is unbudgeted and will likely require a mid‑year budget adjustment; water service and operating costs can be affected if repairs are extensive.
Banks said a contractor pulled the pump, TV‑inspected the casing and found a biofouling condition that restricted flow. The repair approach is to flush and clean the casing and to remove accumulated material in the sump at the bottom of the well; crews are using equipment on site to circulate and remove chlorinated water and debris. Banks estimated the additional, unbudgeted work would be “somewhere around $20,000.”
City engineer Dom confirmed the video showed the screen was “really encrusted” and that the pump had been “sucking air” rather than producing water. Banks said the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will cover roughly 17% of the bill, and crews expect the work to be wrapped up toward the end of the week, although contractors gave no absolute guarantee.
Councilmembers asked about alarms and public notification; Banks said the alarm may be temporarily disabled during repairs and that staff will check to restore normal alarm functions. No formal action was taken at the study session; staff said a budget adjustment would likely come forward when costs are confirmed.
