Public Works: well pump motor and shaft failure identified; contractor to replace parts

Public Works Director Mark Ryan McBee updated council July 16 on a deep‑well pump failure discovered July 10. Staff recovered portions of the shaft and found a fracture about 100 feet below ground that damaged the pump assembly.

McBee said contractor crews had disassembled pump bowls and located a broken shaft segment. He told council the motor will be replaced because bearings had suffered damage and that customary wear parts would also be replaced. Contractors deployed an in‑well camera to assess lower components, and McBee said a further decision about replacing the very bottom portion of the pump depends on that video inspection.

The director described the work as a coordinated effort between city staff and the contractor; he said early indications were that replacing the motor and wear parts should restore service without replacing the entire bottom pump assembly. A comprehensive projects update was provided in staff handouts, and staff will return with schedule and cost updates as the assessment concludes.

Why this matters: The pump serves the city’s water system; repair scope and timing affect reliability, operations and any short‑term service plans.

Next steps: Contractor to finalize assessment of lower bowl segment after camera review and prepare a parts/mobilization schedule; staff will update council.