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Washington County engineers say Winterville well ready; residents press for repairs and clarifications
Summary
County engineering staff said the new Winterville well and tank are online and awaiting a clear bacteriological test before full service; residents raised claims about damaged older service lines and unpaid repair invoices, and the board discussed responsibilities tied to one‑call locates and system limits for fire flow.
County engineering staff told the Washington County Board on Dec. 1 that the new Winterville well and tank are in place and the system is poised for startup once a state lab returns a clear bacteriological sample.
"The well is ready to go," said Speaker 1, who identified himself as the engineering project manager, adding that he planned a startup meeting with the contractor after the session. He said a change order was added to connect the old well to the new tank and to replace disinfection equipment.
Residents and board members questioned disruptions during construction and who will pay to repair damaged service lines that contractors struck. Multiple speakers said older lines lacked tracer wire, complicating accurate locating. "Legally, the contractor is not responsible for repair cost if the locate precision is not within that tolerance," Speaker 1 said, referring to the state one‑call tolerance.
A resident who identified himself during public comment said he performed late‑night repairs after a line was broken and stated, "Nobody has never addressed my invoice" for that work. Speaker 1 responded that, in the absence of precise locate records, responsibility "falls back on the water association" and that the association would need to reimburse private repairs if established.
Staff said most leaks have been repaired and that reconnection work for about 20 homes is included in the contract; final completion hinges on a clear bacteriological test. Board members also pressed staff on public‑safety limits: the system was designed for potable service, not sustained fire flow, and Speaker 1 said pumps are roughly "100 gallons a minute," so prolonged heavy draws will quickly reduce pressure.
The board directed staff and the contractor to complete remaining punch‑list reconnections and to keep residents and the association informed of testing and final payment status. If any outstanding service issues remain after the clear test, staff said they would have the contractor address them.
