PI well now run with VFD; Yankee Reservoir below half and aeration options discussed

Public Works Superintendent Aldo Biasi told the Pressurized Irrigation board that the four-bay well initially registered about 1,100 gallons per minute but experienced surging and meter irregularities that prompted a temporary shutdown. A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) was installed, and the well now runs at approximately 750–850 gpm, allowing staff to modulate output and avoid overflow.

Biasi said Yankee Reservoir sits at roughly 150–152 feet, an estimate the board described as at or below the halfway mark of expected seasonal capacity. If the reservoir falls below supply capability, staff said the city would likely move to once-per-week irrigation and rely on the four-bay well. David Burton noted the reservoir stakeholders had not informed the city of an early shutdown. Separately, the Division of Wildlife Resources is exploring funding for an aerator in the PI/mix pond; City Manager Dan Jessen proposed a fountain-style connection from the PI system to aerate the pond while also delivering water, though that option would require renegotiating the weir split and a culinary backup connection when springs are offline.