According to Monticello Mayor Jason Akers, another infrastructure project for the residents of Monticello is underway.
Well No. 4, which supplies water to residents on Oakland, Conley, Cooper and countless other city streets is located near North Conley Street. The well was listed as a priority infrastructure repair when the city obtained its infrastructure plan in 2020. Originally estimated at a cost of over 1.9 million dollars, the original recommendation was to cap the well, relocate it and dig another well. The well is over 300 feet deep.
“We reviewed this recommendation and after consulting with well and pump experts, found that there was no reason to cap the existing well and relocate it,” Akers said. “The problem wasn’t the well. It was the dilapidated pump and piping system used in the well. Doing our homework and seeking out subject matter experts will not only fix this well’s problem, it saved us over 1.8 million that can go to other things our people need”.
This particular well pump deteriorated in part because at some point in years past, Well No. 6 was shut down due to a buildup in manganese. Well No. 4 then had to pick up the duties of both wells, meaning it worked double to supply the needs of residents and businesses.
City Water Operators fixed the Manganese issue on Well No. 6 and re-opened it, but the overuse of Well No. 4’s pump had already impacted its performance.
The project is expected to be completed within the month.
