New well, pump to go on line at Port of Royal Slope

ROYAL CITY - The Port of Royal Slope's (PORS) well No. 2 project will become part of the potable water system tomorrow. It will increase the supply from 100,000 gallons to 200,000 for Port tenants.

According to PORS Executive Director Cathy Potter, the goal behind the $1.75 million project was to ensure a continual flow of water.

Whenever the pump at well No. 1 went down, it raised concern, Potter said. Because of its 100,000-gallon reservoir and a smaller, temporary pump, the system never ran out of water, but there was the threat.

"When that pump goes down, it's at least a full-day job," Potter said. "They bring in a crane and pull the entire pump."

The PORS's long-term goal is to grow its tenant base. Most of the potential new tenants would likely have high water needs because the agricultural base of the economy.

"It would not be good to run out of water," Potter said.

The No. 2 well pumping unit is similar to No. 1. It has a 100,000-gallon reservoir. It pumps 800 gallons per minute, compared to 1,000 gallons per minute. The well is deeper.

The two pumps will be able to work in tandem when needed. Mostly they will alternate. Potter expects No. 1 to be shut down for a long-needed complete maintenance check-over after No. 2 is fired up.

One more advantage of having the new pump is the ability to eventually serve the businesses at the Hiawatha Industrial Park. The PORS is seeking funding to extend its supply line there.

The well No. 2 project was made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Grant County SIP and PORS reserves.