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Engineer: Hays water system recovering; sand-filter feasible at about $50,000
Summary
City engineer Thomas Kirk told council the Elliot Ranch production site is stable, Well No. 2 repairs are complete, and a sand/filtration system to reduce turbidity is feasible at roughly $50,000; the city will proceed with design proposals and grant-funded standby power work.
Tom Kirk (engineer) briefed the council on the condition of Hays' wells and treatment sites, reporting that the Elliot Ranch production side is functioning well and that Well No. 2 has been repaired and returned to service since March 28. He said the system has experienced episodic turbidity likely tied to aquifer disturbances and recommended a targeted filtration approach to reduce operational costs and service interruptions.
Kirk described the filtration option as technically feasible and gave a direct cost estimate: "We could do it. Process about $50,000 all in, and," adding that staff had asked for fee proposals to advance design work. He also described a grant-funded standby power project (60 kW generator, 500-gallon propane) estimated at roughly $250,000 across production sites; staff expect design completion later this year and project completion next year, pending additional funding applications.
Council and staff noted the system's reduced capacity — Kirk estimated a 25–30% capacity drop compared with studies from 4–5 years ago — and emphasized conservation measures while the city boosts resiliency through filtration and standby power. The council has already authorized a filter contingent on Well No. 2 repairs; with those repairs complete, the council directed staff to obtain final proposals and bring a recommendation back for procurement.
