PLEASE CONTINUE TO CONSERVE WATER!
What is happening: The 40 HP Pump repaired yesterday is again at risk of failure! We replaced the failed pump motor yesterday with a rebuilt motor that we had on hand. Although this got the system back online quickly, unfortunately, this motor is overheating, and while we have fans running to try to cool it, the motor is continuing to run hot, and may fail. The reservoir is only at 50% after 24 hours, which means that both the 20 HP and 40 HP pumps are running 24/7. If the 40 HP pump goes down, it will again cause widespread water service interruption until we can get a new motor installed.
What we are doing: We are trying to source a new 40 HP motor and get it on order quickly. However, the lead time to receive this 500 lb. motor will be days at best, and could possibly take weeks.
What you can do to help: Continue to minimize water usage until we have a reliable repair in place. We will post updates on this blog as the timing becomes more clear.
Longer term solution: As part of the Engineering Plan submitted to the DEQ for approval, to be funded by a Bond approved in the November 2019 election, a redundant 60 HP pump is to be installed in this part of our system, to ensure that if one of the three pumps fails, the system will still have the pumping capacity to keep the Distribution mains pressurized for total water demand. The redundant pump will also ensure that we do not have to run any of the pumps 24/7 and we can take any one offline for maintenance without interrupting water production.
