Well House 13 rehabilitation and aging well infrastructure
Summary
Well 13, installed in the 1950s, has an unstable biofilm that forces extra chlorine and has pushed disinfection byproducts up. The rehab is a need, not a want, staff said — and Well 21 is next in line, with full casing replacement at up to $500,000 per well the eventual fix.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
Paid from the water utility's operating budget — no borrowing, but it's part of why water rates are going up.
Water customers citywide get better water quality without extra chemicals.
Low-income families and seniors are hit hardest by bills rising faster than incomes, per the utilities' own presentation.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Public Works - Sep 8, 2026
Well 13, installed in the 1950s, has an unstable biofilm that forces extra chlorine and has pushed disinfection byproducts up. The rehab is a need, not a want, staff said — and Well 21 is next in line, with full casing replacement at up to $500,000 per well the eventual fix.
Council Planning Meeting - Mar 10, 2026
Pipes over a century old are falling behind replacement schedules — the goal is 1% of mains per year, and the city is behind. Replacing a mile of eight-inch main now costs $1.3-1.5 million versus $16,000 in 1924, which drives rate increases.
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