During the Ephrata City Council meeting on July 2, 2025, officials discussed urgent repairs needed for Well 3, which had been experiencing significant operational issues. The motor was malfunctioning, producing alarming sounds and failing to pump water effectively. In response to these problems and the projected weather conditions, city staff recommended declaring a state of emergency to expedite necessary repairs.

The council learned that on June 25, irrigation technology control (ITC) began work on the well, discovering a broken line shaft and other complications. The situation was exacerbated when a section of the line shaft fell into the well, complicating the repair process. ITC reported that the pump had a crack in its housing and a broken flange, prompting discussions about whether to repair or rebuild the pump.

Ultimately, the decision was made to invest an additional $3,000 to $4,000 to completely rebuild the pump while it was already out of the well, rather than risk further issues by reinstalling it without repairs. The council was informed that a new stainless line shaft was installed, replacing the older, less reliable components used in previous repairs.

This proactive approach aims to ensure the reliability of Ephrata's water supply, especially as the community faces potential drought conditions. The council's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure and safeguarding public resources. As repairs progress, residents can expect improved water service and reliability in the coming weeks.