White Rock System Update

Last updated: June 1, 2023



Background

The water for Abenaki’s White Rock water system (in Bow, NH) is supplied by three bedrock wells.  On Friday, May 19, we observed a marked decline in production capacity from the three wells.  The wells were not producing enough water to satisfy the demand for water.  The declining capacity of the wells is due to either deteriorating pump conditions, diminished water in the bedrock fractures that feed the wells, or both.  Since last Friday, staff has been on site multiple times daily to closely optimize operations.

Abenaki's Actions

Bulk Water Delivery

  • May 22 Update – To supplement the supply of water from our wells, we ordered bulk water deliveries and received three tanker loads of 6,000 gallons of water each on Friday, and two tanker loads on Saturday and Sunday. The bulk water hauler was unable to make any deliveries on Monday, and we are reaching out to other water haulers to obtain additional water tanker deliveries this week. The bulk deliveries received over the weekend allowed us to rest the wells, resulting in a moderate increase in production capacity from the wells.
  • May 24 Update – Bulk water deliveries are scheduled for this Friday and Sunday to supplement water from the wells.
  • May 27 Update – There was one bulk water delivery on Friday. Bulk water deliveries will be needed during the week of May 29 when Well #2 is out of service for pump removal, inspection, repairs/replacements, chlorination, flushing, and water quality testing.
  • May 31 Update – Bulk water deliveries will be made throughout the week of May 29 when Well #2 is out of service for pump removal, inspection, repairs/replacements, chlorination, flushing, and water quality testing.
  • June 5 Update – No bulk water deliveries are scheduled for this week. More will be scheduled to support work on the pump in Well 3.

Leak Detection and Repair

  • May 22 Update – We are also working to minimize water losses in the distribution system. We performed a leak survey on Monday, May 22, and found one small leak. We will repair this leak on Tuesday, May 23. We also found and fixed a leak earlier in May.
  • May 23 Update – Repaired the leak that was found on May 22.
  • May 27 Update – With the repair of the leak and conservation, system water demands have decreased by more than 30%.  Aquarion sincerely appreciates the conservation efforts of our customers.
  • June 5 Update – We are continuing to observe production data every day for evidence of leaks in the distribution system.  As of today, there is no indication of any new ones since the two repairs done last month.

    Well Pump Repairs

    • May 22 Update – We have scheduled a contractor for Tuesday, May 23 to inspect, and possibly replace, some of the well pumps.  Given the depth of the wells (500+ feet) and equipment lead times, it’s likely to take a day or two to do this for one of the wells. If the pumps are the cause of the production problem, this should restore production capacity to a satisfactory level. If the bedrock fractures feeding the wells are the cause of the production problem, rehabilitating the wells may restore capacity, but this is a lengthier process (at least a weeklong process for each well). 
    • May 23 Update – Removed the pump from Well #1 and discovered issues that there were limiting its production (a hole in the column discharge pipe)
    • May 24 Update – Replaced Well #1 pump/motor and connecting piping, and chlorinated the well. Water quality samples will be collected on May 25. Plan is to remove Well #2 pump/motor on May 30 for inspection, and possible replacement.
    • May 27 Update – Flushed Well #1 on Thursday and Friday, and collected water quality samples from the well on Friday.  Well #1 placed back into service on Saturday, May 26. Plan is to remove pump from Well #2 on Tuesday, May 30, and make any necessary repairs/replacements. Well #2 is expected to be out of service for several days for pump removal, inspection, repairs/replacements, chlorination, flushing, and water quality testing.
    • May 31 Update – Removed pump from Well #2 on Tuesday, May 30.  Installed new pump and motor in Well #2 on Wednesday, May 31, and chlorinated well.  Water samples will be collected on Thursday or Friday, after flushing well.
    • June 5 Update – Well #2 placed back into service on June 2. This week, pumps in Wells #1 and #2 are undergoing operating adjustments to maximize production capacity.

      New Well

      • We are also in the process of evaluating another property in the area as a potential new well site.  Due to permitting requirements, this effort has taken more than a year. 
      • Well drilling will begin at the first site this week, and is planned to continue next week at the second site.  Once drilled, pumping tests will be performed to evaluate how much water might be available.
      • Although we are hopeful that a well at this new site will provide a long-term solution to supply constraints for the system, we would not expect a new well to be active for more than a year.

      Community Meeting

      Aquarion staff will be at the Village Shore Estates Association community meeting on Wednesday, June 7 and will be available to answer any questions regarding this project or any other matters related to water service.

      Water Conservation

      To ensure that water is available for essential needs, please continue to conserve water as requested on May 19. Production capacity is sufficient to meet normal, routine indoor uses, but we ask customers to continue to refrain from outdoor watering.

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