I have been speaking quite a bit about the need for water and the problems associated with providing it that we've experienced. Well #5 has failed and needed to checked out to see if it could continue to be used by the city. This is one of our bigger wells. Bringing this well back on line has been interesting and frustrating as there area number of steps to go through to see if the well can be rehabilitated and reused. The city started the process only to determine the well is no longer viable and a new well is needed to be constructed.

Several options have been considered for replacement. The city had been going down the path of constructing a new well on the east side of the river to address future needs. This path of construction had a number of issues which were felt to be workable but required a good deal of coordination with Sherburne County, as we were going to use their right of way, and the Department of Health. When establishing a new public well there are numerous steps that must be undertaken to meet their standards. One of these requirements is a Well Head Protection Plan and subsequent zone. Presently the city has a plan and zone but it doesn't include the proposed well on the east side of the Elk River. Expanding the plan and designating a new zone takes considerable time and effort. Given the need for a replacement well before next summer it was felt it may not be in our best interests to pursue this option at this time. That being said it is important that we move in this direction with a new well field in a different area in the immediate future but we need to focus our energies on what will meet our needs in the shortest time frame.

Looking at our existing wells and present wellhead protection plan it is easier to locate a new well within our existing boundaries of the established zone. Two options were discussed which involve new wells near existing ones which can take advantage of the present well houses and also avoid some of the more lengthly requirements from the Department of Health in establishing a new well. The first option was to build a new well near the existing failed well. This well is located in the golf course. We hope we can find a location where water can be pumped without influence on the other existing wells in this location. The second option would be to replace the small well located in Carl E. Johnson Park off of Riley with a larger well. This too would take advantage of an existing well house. The replacement well could be reused for irrigation of the park as an added benefit.

Both of these options have merit and only upon doing the preliminary pilot wells and hydrology studies will we know if one or both sites will work out. We're optimistic that at least one site will work but until the preliminary work is completed it is difficult to be certain. Establishing a new municipal well is not an inexpensive endeavor. It has been estimated that costs will range from $70,000 to $80,000. This figure could increase if additional piping is needed. The goal is to get a well on line prior to next summer. This is achievable but also means we need to act as quickly as we can.

I want to recognize the efforts of Karla Eggink, the city's Public Works Director and City Engineer, for considering all options and thinking outside of the box. Given the existing use and need for additional water resources, sooner is better. With any luck we'll have some answers for the council to consider at their next meeting.