Newton’s largest water source was down for three weeks recently as service crews worked to improve its performance. Newton Utility Director Jody Rhone says the maintenance done to the Jordan Well has increased its water yield, but the exact efficiency increase is still unknown.

“We have not received the report back yet from the contractor. But we can tell from pumping operations that it is working more efficiently. I just don’t have the numbers on it yet.   

The work included brushing the well casing, removing mineral deposits, and treating the well with hydrochloric acid to clear blockages. Rhone says the Jordan Well was put in 24 years ago, and should be maintained about every 20 years. The well goes down 2,256 feet deep to the Jordan Aquifer, which is under most of the state. Rhone says the City of Newton pulls about half a billion gallons of water from the aquifer every year. 

During the three weeks the Jordan Well was down, Rhone says his staff put in extra hours to maintain the city’s water supply with shallow wells. Hear more about the project on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.