by William Gibbs, Jr., Wilson County News
The COVID-19 pandemic, a deep freeze, and a floundering national economy all proved to be formidable foes, but they did not overcome the city’s Plaza Well project, which now is online.
City employees, elected officials, and guests met at the site off U.S. 181 Aug. 9 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the almost $2.9 million well, which was financed with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Brady Kosub of M&S Engineering said the well replaces an older unit that had to be decommissioned at the site after its gravel filter failed and a casing cracked, allowing a small quantity of oil to seep into the water. He said the new well — which draws water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer — has a depth of 1,040 feet, well below the water table that is at approximately 220 feet.
“The new well produces 60 percent more water than the old well,” Kosub said. “With regular maintenance, it’s going to last a long time….”
