Devine council approves test holeas first step toward new water well

By Anton Riecher
City Engineer J.R. Garcia pulled no punches explaining the potential risk in a proposal approved Feb. 17 by the Devine City Council to drill a $311,000 test hole as the first step in locating a new city well near Warhorse Stadium.
“It is a guessing game,” Garcia said, responding to a question by District 5 Alderman Hal Lance Jr. as to the percentages in favor of drawing potable water from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer at the proposed depth.
On a motion by District 2 Alderman Michael Hernandez, seconded by District 1 Alderman Ray Gonzales, the council approved the low bid submitted by Devine-based Underground Water Resources for drilling the test hole by a 4-0 vote.
Garcia said that UWR was the lowest of five bids submitted for the project. Work on the 60-day project is expected to begin within several months.
“They got great reviews from everybody I talked to,” Garcia said. “They are very excited and ready to get started on the project.”
The $316,000 price tag includes two alternatives depending on the quality of water found at the proposed depth of 600 feet, he said.
“If we find good water, we will go with alternative A which is going to be to cap it because we want to be able to come back in a few months with another grant to be able to finish the well,” Garcia said.
The city received a $500,000 community development block grant which will allow them to determine if the water table is sufficient…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!