Well’s pump test successful

Ritzville’s new Well No. 9 appears to have successfully passed a 24-hour pump test.

Ritzville Public Works Director Larry Swift said the well test was conducted at the end of last week. In order for the well to be certified by the Department of Ecology, crews needed to continuously pump water at a rate of 2,000 gallons per minute for 24 hours.

During that time, the water was tested and a hydrologist will generate a report rating the well once water quality samples are obtained. The tests results will then be sent to Ecology.

Swift was confident the well tests would be favorable. He said the temperature of the water during pumping was good, between 67 and 69 degrees.

The city’s engineering firm, Varela & Associates is currently designing the pump system and well house.

Swift said the goal is to have the work completed and the well online by this fall.