Lind, Ritzville battle water challenges

On July 10, the Town of Lind sent a letter to the Lind School District and the Adams County Cemetery District No. 3, requesting that the entities reduce the amount of water to irrigate the properties. The school district and cemetery are the largest consumers of water in Lind.

Due to the unusually high demand for water this summer, the town’s well is unable to pump the desired amount of water to the properties while still serving the citizens of Lind.

Mayor Jamie Schmunk and Water System Operator Joe Pessutti have been constantly monitoring the town well water levels. Schmunk mentioned at a Town Hall meeting that the water could return to the full rate within the next few weeks.

The City of Ritzville’s main domestic water well failed Saturday due to an electrical system failure. Public Works Director Larry Swift said an electrician was in the city Wednesday to start repairs.

Saturday, residents were experiencing decreased water pressure and businesses on the hill near the Interstate 90, Exit 221 had notable loses in water pressure.

The city has switched over to the Koch and Rodeo wells in an effort to replenish the city’s water storage supply and improve pressure. By Sunday, pressure appeared to return to normal.