In September,
I reported the status of our wells and reservoir (Rainbow
Lake). This month, I want to update you of the Town's
current status.
In conjunction with the Governors
water ban, the water ban remains in effect in Emmitsburg.
Emmitsburg is currently using an
average of 255,000 GPD (or 177 gallons per minute). The town
did receive final approval from MDE to pump 83,000 gallons
of water per day for the well drilled in
Emmit Gardens. However, it seems this well will need
more treatment than expected. At this time I am unable to
give you a firm date as to when to expect this well in
service. Testing and preliminary plans are being done to
determine what the town must do, and how long it will take
to put this well in service. The Town is prepared to bare
the cost needed to put this well in to service as soon as
possible.
Well number 1 and well number 2 have
a joint permit that allows for a maximum of 168,000 Gallons
of water Per Day (GPD). Currently the Town's Water
Superintendent is pumping 93,000 GPD from these wells. In
non-drought conditions well number 1 normally has water in
the shaft at 42 feet; currently the water is at 97 feet.
Well number 2 normally has water in the shaft at 8 feet;
currently the water is at 22 feet.
Well number 3 and well number 5 have
a joint permit that allows for a maximum of 87,000 GPD.
Currently the town's Water Superintendent is pumping 82,000
GPD from these wells. In non-drought conditions well number
3 normally has water in the shaft at 37 feet; currently that
water is at 71 feet. Well number 5 normally has water at 9
feet; currently the water is at 72 feet.
Well number 4 has an allocation
permit for 40,000 GPD. This well currently remains in
reserve for future growth.
The town has been exercising its
option to purchase water from MSM at an average of 30,000
gallons per day for the past 90 days. The Town Manager and
Water Superintendent recommended purchasing water from MSM
to minimize the strain on our old water plant. The new water
plant still is not in full operation.
Well number 6 is located above the
reservoir and was permitted to pump 7 gallons per minute.
This well had no connection to the town water system and the
town withdrew its allocation permit to receive a higher
allocation for the well in Emmit Gardens.
Rainbow Lake has a maximum
allocation permit for 168,000 GPD. Currently the Town's
Water Superintendent is pumping 50,000 GPD. Rainbow Lake is
approximately 18 feet deep (at its deepest point) and its
water is currently within three inches of going over the
spillway.
As you can see the water levels in
wells number 3 and 5 and the reservoir have increased a
considerable amount. We expect with the amount of rain and
snow and the decrease of plant life (grass, flowers, trees,
weeds etc.) the town's water supply will continue to
increase. It is possible that the water ban may be lifted in
the next four to six weeks and that the Town will
discontinue purchasing water from Mount Saint Mary's.
