Ephrata City Council has taken decisive action to address urgent water supply issues by approving an emergency declaration for repairs on Well 3 during their meeting on July 2, 2025. The council's swift response comes after recent challenges with the well's chlorine levels, which required immediate attention to ensure safe drinking water for residents.

City officials reported that Well 3 was flushed earlier that day, successfully reducing chlorine residuals to acceptable levels. Samples were collected and sent to an accredited lab in the Tri Cities for testing, with results expected by the following morning. If the results are favorable, the well could be back online by 11:00 AM, restoring vital water services to the community.

The council unanimously approved Resolution 25-48, which formalizes the emergency measures needed for the repairs. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining public health and safety through reliable water supply management.

In addition to the emergency declaration, the council discussed ongoing recruitment efforts for a new code enforcement and building official. The job announcement has garnered positive interest, with five applications submitted shortly after its release. The application period remains open until July 1, 2025, as the city seeks to fill this important role.

The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as council members acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the swift resolution of the water issue. As Ephrata moves forward, the community can expect continued improvements in infrastructure and public services.