Wells show strong yields; construction schedule set for early next year

Contractors and engineering teams updated the advisory committee on construction status and pump tests for the program’s four production wells.

Carl Hofstetter (Hofstetter & Associates) said the wells have shown strong specific yield, citing values around "250–275 gallons per minute per foot of drawdown." Hofstetter also described an over‑pump test to roughly 2,700 gallons per minute: a nearby construction well about 100 feet away dropped about 10 feet and a second nearby well dropped about 4.5 feet—results Hofstetter characterized as indicating a robust aquifer.

John Fry (design engineer) confirmed a written 24‑hour pump test report exists for the wells he and Hofstetter tested and said staff would distribute the outstanding test documents to the committee. Committee members requested the monitoring‑well pump test data (including a 4‑inch monitor well) and Hofstetter/Fry agreed to send the reports to staff for circulation.

Tyler (Thomas & Hutton) reported on construction progress: well No. 1 is in startup, No. 2 is finishing construction with electrical work remaining, and wells 3 and 4 in the Bulloch County portion are scheduled for March–April completion next year, subject to pump and equipment delivery.

Committee members noted the improved pump‑test results compared with earlier model predictions and discussed communicating results to concerned private well owners; publishing drawdown maps and holding public meetings were suggested as next steps. The committee received the construction update and asked staff to ensure pump‑test documents are distributed.