Water System Improvement Updates

Since 2022, city staff and McClure Engineering have been working on multiple water system improvement projects. These projects will improve the quality of our water, ensure adequate water supply into the future, and allow for reliable water treatment and distribution processes. We are beginning to see the results of our design work and patience.

Work on Jordan Well 10-a new drinking water supply well located on the future treatment plant site-started at the beginning of August. Cahoy Pump Service worked to drill a pilot hole to the depth of 215 feet below ground level. They are now reaming the pilot hole to a diameter of 36 inches, which has reached a depth of 115 feet below ground level. When the reaming is complete, Cahoy will install the first segments of casing pipe. The pipe sections will be welded together, lowered into the hole, and grouted in place to stabilize the hole for the next phase of drilling. Drilling was paused over the last week so that Cahoy could perform maintenance on the drill rig, but they should be back up and running in the next few days.

The project to replace well transmission lines-the lines that carry water from the wells to the water treatment plant-will start in September or October. This project takes place along 1st Avenue from the East end of 1st Avenue to the treatment plant site at 2nd Avenue and Broad Street. Multiple crews will likely be working on this at the same time for a more efficient install. Meetings with residents will be held so that plans can be communicated periodically. Every effort will be made to limit disruptions to traffic. This work is estimated to be complete in November of 2025.

Plans for the new ten-million-gallon water tower that will be located on East Street just south of Ogan Avenue are complete. Caldwell Tanks Inc. out of Louisville, KY was the low bidder on the construction of the water tower, tentatively scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with estimated completion by May of 2026.

Garfield Avenue between Main and Broad Streets will be getting a new water main in the near future. Busy Bee Construction, of Lewsitown, MO was selected for this project. This project will include water service interruptions to tie in the new main, but the entire project is anticipated to be completed. A start date has not been set yet. Affected residents will be notified before any water interruptions occur.

Design of Grinnell's new nanofiltration water plant is nearly complete. We are anticipating a bid date in mid-October. Construction of the plant can start after the new well is completed. We are expecting a completion date in spring of 2027.

The City of Grinnell is putting together an inventory of water service lines in the city to determine the pipes' composition. If you're a resident of Grinnell, please complete the water service line survey at www.grinnelliowa.gov/waterline, or pick up a paper copy at City Hall or Drake Community Library.