Jackson officials continue making improvements to water system

On the day Jackson city officials cut the ribbon on the $800,000 water well No. 7, the city announced the next major water project.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen will likely approve a $400,000 contract for two high service pumps at its May 10 meeting. The pump station will replace out-of-date pumps at water treatment plant No. 1, which was constructed in 1924 and located at the city's water plant facility on Florence Street.

"As all of us know, the water, sewer and electric is what keeps the city going," Mayor Paul Sander said at Wednesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The project will allow the city to complete its five-year distribution system plan, which will divide the system into two pressure zones. One pump will meet the existing daily demand and the five-year projected demand, while a second pump will be installed as a spare.

The project will also provide space for a third pump to meet projected needs of the 20-year plan.

City officials say the new high service pump station will greatly improve water flow and pressure to residents and businesses on the east side of Jackson.

As for well No. 7, it is located in the city's industrial park along Highway 61 North. Since beginning operation in March, the new well has produced more than 7 million gallons of water for the city. The well was something of a lucky strike as it ended up testing out at 975 gallons per minute, nearly double the volume engineers estimated.

In addition to the well, 3,700 feet of new line was constructed to connect the well with the existing distribution line along North High Street. Space has also been saved for a future water tower and electric substation.

"This supplements a system that was a little strained and takes some of the pressure off," Sander said.

The well is not running at full capacity because the city doesn't need it.

"But when the summer hits, we can crank this thing up to 1,000 gallons a minute," said public works director Rodney Bollinger.

Both the well and the proposed pumping project are funded by the 1997 sewer and water bond issue passed by voters.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635