On August 10, 2016, Water Services staff responded to an alarm for Well No. 20 located at the Trask Reservoir facility. Upon investigation and testing, staff discovered Well No. 20 had failed on a “No Load” condition and was not pumping water into the reservoirs. Due to the critical nature of the situation, staff retained the services of General Pump Company to pull, inspect and video the well under Emergency Purchase Order No. 155746.  General Pump’s findings revealed the pump shaft had broken and the pump needed to be refurbished. In addition, the well casing was cleaned and a post-cleaning video was performed to check the condition of the casing. During the post video of the casing a hole was discovered, along with signs of the casing deteriorating from rust.  In light of the condition of the casing, General Pump is recommending the installation of a stainless steel liner before reinstalling the pump and motor. 

General Pump indicates that the maximum life expectancy of steel casings in a well is 50 years; with the liner installed the well can provide additional years of service beyond the 50 years. Well No. 20 is approximately 49 years old. Water Services staff is meeting demands with Well No. 20 out of service by operating additional pumps to create the higher pressure needed to refill the reservoirs. The result is unnecessary energy costs to maintain the 10 million gallons of storage located at Trask Reservoir. The Reservoir is crucial for meeting demands placed on the distribution system during times of emergencies and must be available for events such as fires and earthquakes.  Well No. 20 is the primary source for filling the 10 million gallons of storage at Trask Reservoir, and therefore needed to be repaired as soon as possible. Due to the need to bring Well No. 20 back to production to meet demand and avoid a major disaster in the event of a fire or other emergency, the City Manager authorized moving forward with the required work, pending the adoption by the City Council of the resolution approving the emergency work.

There is no impact to the General Fund. The total cost of all services and repairs is $250,448.00 and will be paid for with Water Funds.

It is recommended that the City Council:

•  Adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to waive the formal bidding process as an emergency condition, declaring the necessity thereof, and authorizing staff to proceed with emergency repairs to Well No. 20.

William E. Murray, Public Works Director