Rosalia issues call to cut water use during pump fix

Rosalia residents Tuesday were asked to use as little water as possible after it was discovered a town pump was down. A water usage notice is still in place for residents, though the worst of it has passed, Mayor Nanette Konishi said.

Rosalia has been operating with one of its two pumps out of commission.

Konishi said they discovered last week that the motor for one pump had failed, and the town's public works crew attempted to remove the pump in order to repair it, but the equipment on hand could not do the job.

“Our equipment isn't strong and heavy enough to get it out,” she said.

Rosalia Public Works Director L.J. Sanders said Tuesday that a crew from General Pump of Deer Park removed the pump that day and are now in the process of repairing it off site. While the pump was removed, it became necessary for the power to the well to be cut.

Konishi said power to the wells was down for about four hours Tuesday, and now one well is back at work for the town.

“We're asking people to limit water usage to not anymore than you have to because one pump will be doing the work of two for a little while,” she said.

Sanders said he was quoted approximately $3,000 for the repair, but that figure did not include the cost to pull the pump out. The repair for the pump is expected to take about a week-and-a-half, Konishi said. During this time, potentially high temperatures and high water usage could lead to a depletion of water sources.

“Our public works director has arranged to have the pump pulled and repaired as quickly as possible, but with the high temperatures and the potential for dangerously reducing the water level in the reservoir and water tower, I am imposing a water usage restriction,” Konishi wrote in an email sent to media and Rosalia businesses, citizens and council and chamber members Monday night. The email stated she expects both pumps to be working again by June 17.

Konishi told the Gazette she is not sure how long the pumps have been at work in Rosalia, but they “are not terribly young.”

“I appreciate everyone's cooperation while we get this repaired,” she said.