Commissioners direct staff to study deep well options for Grays Creek and Alderman Road schools

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 10 to direct the county manager to evaluate installing deep-water wells at Grays Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary, including total cost and timeline, and to return the findings to the board in January 2025.

The motion came from Commissioner Patel, who asked staff to "revisit the deepwater well infrastructure at Grays Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary specifically to see what the total cost for those 2 wells would be and the timeline." Commissioners discussed whether deep wells could run in parallel with planned water-line work by PWC. Commissioner Tyson emphasized the timetable for PWC work may be "unacceptable" and urged a temporary solution to provide clean water to students sooner.

Why it matters: County commissioners said they want to explore a potential stopgap that could provide drinking water sooner than the timetable for PWC deliveries. Staff were asked to provide an estimate, a timeline and any impacts associated with installing wells, and to report back on the January 2025 agenda.

Details and next steps: The board clarified the request is to evaluate deep-water well infrastructure for the two schools in parallel with ongoing PWC efforts to run water lines. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. County staff did not provide a cost estimate at the meeting; the board asked for staff to return with specific numbers and timelines.

Ending: The county manager will return to the board with cost, timeline and impact information on the January 2025 agenda.