Project Description

The City will begin drilling a 2,500-foot deep, permanent, monitoring well at the existing Agua Fria Production Well property located on Camino de la Canada (near Callejo Zenaida) to better understand the quantity and quality of water in the deeper aquifer. 

Once completed, well water levels will be periodically measured, but the well will NOT be used for water production.  In order to have a sustainable and reliable supply for all of the City's residents, the City must have adequate backup groundwater supplies available for emergencies and drought.  This deep aquifer exploration well will assist the City in deciding how to best achieve adequate ground water backup supply.

Project Information

Location - The 1800 block of Camino de la Canada (near T-intersection with Callejon Zenaida)

Drilling Dates - The Project begins March 29 and will last approximately 60 days with an additional 40 days of aquifer testing.  In general, construction and drilling crews will work from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week.  A drilling crew member will be on site 24-7 to monitor activity and provide site security.

Open House - The City will hold an informal project orientation Open House from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on March 31.  The contractor will begin delivering material to the site the week prior.

Site Activity Impact - The public can expect to see a large drilling rig with a 74-foot mast, large storage tanks, daily construction traffic including large trucks with trailers making periodic delivery of materials.  The east side of the existing metal fence will be removed for vehicle access.  Occasional traffic congestion and delays are anticipated, but will be minimized as much as possible.

Site Noise - The public will hear activity on the site mostly between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  However, the crews will need to work around-the-clock for up to 5 days during the well construction.  Sound barriers will be installed around the area to reduce the noise impact.  Crews will also need to work around-the-clock during the multiple 3-day aquifer pumping tests, but the noise impact will be low.

Local Well Testing - As a result of the two public meetings held in November, the City will test local private wells.  The City's hydrogeologic experts do not believe the project will impact nearby wells.

Sewer System Impact - The City has tested the sewer system and determined that it has adequate capacity to accept the water discharged during testing.

Weekly Updates - The City will have weekly electronic updates available on the City's website and by email.

For more information, contact Claudia Borchert at the City's Water Division at (505) 412-1254 or Email Claudia Borchert.