EPHRATA – The City of Ephrata was at a standstill on repairs to Well 3 throughout the weekend because the parts ordered were not delivered Friday morning, as previously anticipated. 

“We're kind of at a standstill,” Ephrata Public Works Director Rob Harris said. “(Irrigation Technology & Control) will finish rebuilding the pump so that it's all ready to go. As far as the city, there's nothing we can do until those parts are in.”  

The delayed parts are expected to arrive Monday morning, Harris said.  

On Wednesday, it was discovered that there were damaged bearings located around 130 feet below ground. Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim declared a local state of emergency, which allowed for the city to bypass standard bidding procedures and expedite repairs on the well.  

Then, on Thursday, during the pump removal process, it was discovered there was additional damage to the pump.  

“When they got it to the shop, it showed signs of wear, not excessive wear, but wear, and the major expense of rebuilding a pump is pulling it out,” Harris said. “It made sense to go ahead and rebuild it, because it was already out and showing signs of wear, then to put it back in and hope to maybe only get a couple more years.” 

Harris also explained there was a crack in the top hole of the pump. 

“I don't know if that was detrimental to the operation of the pump. Who knows how long it's been there?” Harris said. “I mean, it was discovered, but that wasn't the driving factor in rebuilding it.” 

However, the repair has been going smoothly thus far, Harris said.  

“The contractors are telling me that we should have it completely set on Monday. We'll super chlorinate and flush late Tuesday, hopefully, and then pull a sample on Wednesday,” Harris said. 

He said if everything goes according to plan, the well should be back and running by late next week.  

Until then, Ephratans are still being asked to conserve water by limiting lawn watering and outdoor irrigation, postponing non-essential water use such as car washing or filling pools, running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads and promptly fix leaking faucets, hoses or irrigation lines.  

The city successfully filled reservoirs two, three and four to assure residents have access to enough water.