Water Well No. 3 replacement and utility capital planning
Summary
The council awarded the drilling bid to C. Miller Drilling after scrutiny of the low bid's line items; the drilling rig should be on site in about three weeks after a pre-construction meeting.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
The winning bid came in below the engineer's estimate, saving the city versus other bids that were up to 50% higher on some line items.
Everyone on city water — a reliable new well secures supply.
Van water customers would ultimately bear the added cost through rates.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Oct 8, 2026
The city's new well is moving faster than the last one — casing and screens are done and the big check has been cut. Water service improvements remain on track for February or March.
City Council - Aug 13, 2026
The new Well No. 3 test well hit water on target and stays on track for February, but a 1978-era pump needs replacing at up to $40,000, and pump controls should pay for themselves in six months via lower sludge-hauling costs.
City Council - Jul 9, 2026
The new water well's contract kicked off July 6 with 240 days to finish — substantial completion expected February 1, 2027. City staff emphasized quality expectations for the contractor.
City Council - Jun 18, 2026
The well driller contract gets signed Tuesday, with work possibly starting in three weeks. Council Member Duncan pressed for a one-, five-, and ten-year outlook on water, sewer, parks, and roads, and staff flagged a wastewater plant design flaw dating to 1995 plus big-ticket upgrades ahead.
City Council - May 14, 2026
The council awarded the drilling bid to C. Miller Drilling after scrutiny of the low bid's line items; the drilling rig should be on site in about three weeks after a pre-construction meeting.
Van city manager discusses water well repairs, effects on community
Van city manager discusses water well repairs, effects on community KLTV.com
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