The Garden Grove Public Works Department’s Water Services Division (“Division”) owns and operates the water system that provides water services throughout the city. The Division operates 17 total water production facilities, 13 wells, 5 pump stations, 8 reservoirs that hold approximately 53 million gallons of water. On July 31, 2023, a pump failure had occurred. General Pump Company was called out to diagnose the pump.  The well pump was reported to be operating under deficient conditions, which affects its reliability and will require a replacement. The total cost for the completed diagnosis work performed is $8,245.13. On November 29, 2023, the contractor was ordered to begin the replacement process by cleaning and video inspecting the pump, which may result in additional work needed depending upon inspection results. 

The continued operation of Well #27 is needed to supply water to the central area within the city. Due to this nature of work, the well pump replacement is considered emergency work and is scheduled for replacement. Failure to conduct this emergency work will result in the inability to pull groundwater from the well. Hence, affecting the safety, health and property of the community at large. Therefore, staff is seeking to designate these costs as emergency repairs and issue an emergency purchase order. 

There is no impact to the General Fund. The total cost of this emergency water well replacement is approximately $193,650.69, plus the completed diagnosis work in the amount $8,245.13, for a total of approximately $201,895.82.  A 10 percent contingency will be applied for unexpected additional work identified during the inspection. This amount will be absorbed in the City’s adopted FY 2023-24 Water Enterprise Budget.

By: Samuel Kim, P.E.

Deputy Public Works Director/Water Services Manager