LOW WELL-WATER PROBLEMS PLAGUE DEXTER FARMERS

DEXTER -- As if the low prices weren't bad enough, some local farmers are having problems with the water levels in their wells.

David Hueckel of Dexter Ag Service said he has gone out on a few calls this summer with water tables dropping.

Hueckel had one situation where a farmer thought he had broken a shaft on the pump.

When Hueckel went to service the pump, he found the pump to be about 2 feet from the water table.

Hueckel said some places in the area have water levels getting low. He said it depends on the area and how many pumps are being used.

He said there have also been some house wells running dry.

"There is nothing they can do," Hueckel said. "All of them just need more rain."

He said the problem is unusual this time of year.

"Most of the time we do not have to do pump work this late in the year," Hueckel said.

Dexter Ag Service normally does not service as many pumps after the middle of August.

Hueckel said the pumps have been used a lot this summer because of the dry weather.

He said farmers have been forced to use a lot more water on soybeans in particular this season. "They normally don't have to pump this much water this late," Hueckel added.

Pumps have also had to run a lot longer, which leaves the door open for more breakdowns.