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Wasco staff report well No. 8 repair: temporary VFD installed; cost $6,588
Summary
Public works staff told the council that a temporary variable frequency drive was installed on Well No. 8 after a failure July 3; the temporary repair cost $6,588, under a previously approved emergency spending limit of $15,000.
The Wasco City Council received an update on repairs to Well No. 8, with staff reporting the well is operational after a temporary electrical repair.
Public works staff said a variable frequency drive (VFD) for the well failed on July 3. The city obtained a compatible, used VFD from another older well and had Bakersfield Well and Pump install and connect it on July 15. The cost for the temporary repair was $6,588, which staff said was below the previously approved emergency repair authorization not to exceed $15,000.
Staff told the council that a new VFD compatible with the well would cost in excess of $100,000 and that a permanent replacement is expected to be considered in coordination with the city—s funding plan (staff referred to SRR funding on the record). The temporary installation returned the well to service without reported issues.
Council members thanked public works staff for the quick response, noting the repair work took place over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to ensure adequate water supply for residents during warm weather.
Additional technical context provided at the meeting noted that a VFD controls a well pump—s motor speed depending on flow and demand; using a VFD reduces wear and the risk of overpressure in the distribution lines by varying motor speed rather than running at full throttle.
No formal action or ordinance was taken on the item; the presentation was informational and staff reported the well remains in service.
