The Ainsworth Water Department will be drilling a new well in the next month following a collapse.
A water conservation order is still in effect for Ainsworth residents as the city is working through the issue that began March 30 when the water plant experienced a sudden and drastic reduction in the well’s capacity to produce water. The well was taken out of service for some adjustments to be made. Gingerich Well and Pump then investigated on April 17 and determined the well had experienced a collapse of the bottom 200 feet of casing. Ainsworth Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Chad McCleary says because of this failure the city has no choice but to drill a new well. The Department of Natural Resources considers this an emergency and is allowing the city to move forward immediately with replacing the well. McCleary says the cost of drilling a new well could be around $500,000, and once funds are secured they will proceed as soon as possible, with a new well anticipated to be in service in the next 30 days.