Thomasville water board reports leaks, contractor damage and lift‑station rotor failure

Water-system staff told the Thompson Ward and Sewell water board that crews installed taps, repaired two-inch leaks on Butler and Independence drives and laid a 100‑foot service line to O'Brien Chapel Funeral Home to address pressure and flow problems.

Staff reported that, while a fiber contractor was boring, the contractor’s work contacted the utility’s line and reduced flow to a customer; a temporary repair is in place and a new permanent service line will be installed under an upcoming contract. When asked whether the contractor would be billed, staff said they do not expect to recover costs from the contractor.

The board also reported a mechanical failure at the Choctaw Corner Lift Station: "The rotor went down last week, which creates the 3 phase power for that lift station," and crews have been pumping the station daily. A replacement rotor was ordered and is expected in about four to five weeks; staff plan to set up a bypass pump and related plumbing work to maintain service until replacement.

A councilmember asked staff to inspect a visible leak reported near West 4th and Wilson. Staff also described two grant‑funded projects that have been approved by the grantor: replacement of telemetry equipment at the elevated tank on Highway 43 and a bore under Highway 43 to connect to a 6‑inch main to improve pressure for a nursing home and nearby developments.

The report did not include dollar figures for the repair work or whether the city will pursue reimbursement from the fiber contractor beyond verbal statements that recovery is unlikely. The water board adjourned after completing its business.