Alburnett officials say well 3 issue resolved; council approves maintenance funds for wells

The Alburnett City Council on Aug. 8 heard an update on recent brown water complaints tied to well 3, and approved a maintenance contract for well 2 as staff outlined steps to prevent future service interruptions.

Mayor (speaking during the meeting) said crews pinpointed the source of discoloration to well 3 and brought in Northway Well and Pump Company to pull and replace the pump and to perform an acid treatment that removed accumulated iron and other deposits. Staff televised the well to the bottom and flushed settled material; raw water and iron test results were pending at the time of the meeting.

Public Works Director Mac said the work included replacing a damaged pump and that chlorine ejectors became fouled by sediment, so the city ordered new ejectors and pressure gauges before returning the well to service. Mac described the response as emergency maintenance and said an invoice will be forthcoming.

The council also approved a maintenance contract with Northway Well and Pump Company for well number two, under a not‑to‑exceed amount presented in the packet. Council members said the city learned the existing wells had not been fully serviced for many years and discussed running wells more frequently and rotating operation so no well sits idle for more than 24 hours.

Councilor Myers moved and Councilor Suka seconded the well‑2 maintenance authorization; the motion carried. Staff said the well‑maintenance plan may require a budget amendment for the current fiscal year to fund recommended work.

The council emphasized the priority of returning well 3 to normal operation and completing maintenance on the other wells to reduce reliance on any single source. Officials said residents would be kept informed as test results return and as any further operational changes proceed.