Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Costs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Inspection finds fractured bedrock and low recharge at Peralta Well; new well could cost up to $1 million
Summary
Camera inspection and staff analysis showed fractured bedrock, sediment and a shallow pump placement limiting usable water; staff said a replacement well and tie-in could cost from about $500,000 up to roughly $1 million depending on location and infrastructure needs.
Staff told the council that a camera inspection of Peralta Well showed the static level has fallen to roughly 218 feet in a 250-foot hole, leaving only about 17 feet of water above a pump set at 235 feet.
The presentation described fractured bedrock, sediment deposits and the absence of a perforated well screen, all of which reduce the well's recharge and make it unreliable as a primary source. "The well itself is 250 feet, but our pump sits 235 feet," the presenter said, explaining the limited drawdown available and why production falls with sustained use.
Staff recommended hiring a hydrology and geotechnical firm to scout potential new well locations and to drill an exploration/test well as needed; an exploration well helps confirm water before full development. Staff noted that a prior back-basin project completed for significantly less than typical bids cost about $500,000 all in; depending on site and connection costs, a full replacement well could approach $1 million.
Council members pressed on whether any of the village's artesian or other wells could be reactivated, but staff said tapping or piping an artesian well could be as expensive as drilling a new one and requires coordination with the Office of the State Engineer. Staff committed to returning with assessment results and recommendations.
