Construction of a new city drinking water well will begin soon. After several issues with wells last summer, it was determined that a new well built at the industrial park would stabilize the water situation in St. James.

    “We put our contract out there with the Department of Natural Resources to get our permits. We hope to start soon. We are going to put water in the tower by Tacony over to the north side,” City Administrator Jeff said.
    The St. James City Council recently approved bids during the June meeting and the total project will total $268,220. Bids were awarded to Harper Drilling out of Clinton, Mo., for the well and pump and Midstate Pipeline for the well house, pump and electrical controls and yard piping.
    “We had problems with low pressure last year as well as sediment in the system. This one should help solve those problems. When that permit comes and we get a notice to proceed, the drillers can come in,” Davis said.
    The problems experienced last year pointed to a necessary addition and the new well is expected to stabilize the water going to residents. With the addition of this new well, St. James will have five serving customers and it is expected to be a great addition to the city water supply. Davis believes that work could start quickly and utilities workers are ready to have a new well operating in St. James to bring water to municipal customers.