Fine tuning continues on Wauneta’s new water wells

The end is in sight for Wauneta’s water project.
The project, aimed at complying with stricter federal government standards for arsenic levels in the water, began in January 2020.
Two wells were drilled three miles north of town early in 2020. One existing well remains in use.
The project was expect to cost over $3 millon, with $1.485 millon from a USDA loan and $1.159 million from a USDA grant. The village paid $116,000.
Water rates were increased in August based on a study by the Nebraska Rural Water Association.
Though everything was expected to be ready to go by August, software issues delayed the project. In October, radio problems were discussed.
Village Superintendent Bill Bischoff said the delivery system is working and bringing new water into the village, but work is ongoing by the three main contractors.
Controls are turning the wells on and off, but can do more and contractors are fine tuning the programming for reporting data and alarm faults.
Out of the four generators in use, one is still giving the contractors problems. The generator can be run manually in case of an emergency.
Bischoff said water samples from the wells are meeting and well under contamination levels. The village no longer has an arsenic administration order.
Two old wells have been decommissioned, Bischoff said. The pumps and casings have been removed from the well houses and the lines have been disconnected from the main line. A charge was put down the well to destroy the casings and bentonite and concrete were used to seal them off.
Contractors are eying a March 1 completion date for the project.