MOUNT AIRY, Ga. — Mount Airy is exploring the possibility of adding a new well to its water system for the first time in 22 years, as officials weigh long-term capacity needs and the cost and uncertainty of expanding the town’s water supply.
During a June 17 work session, Mayor Adam Tullis said the town’s last well was installed in 2004 and while the current system of five wells meets day-to-day demand, it can be strained during leaks, drought conditions and other system disruptions.
“I think it’s a necessity,” Tullis said. “We’ve had wells for 22 years. We do tend to have five, all five producing wells, but like I said, hot dry weather, we have leaks. I mean, we could buy some water, we might get a big well, be able to produce enough water supply for the next 50 years.”
Tullis said the town has already consulted with a geologist who reviewed town-owned properties and identified a potential site. The initial assessment would cost about $2,000 and is refundable if no water is found. A test well could cost about $30,000, with no guarantee of success.
“Wells, they’re expensive,” Tullis said earlier in the discussion. “I’ve talked with a geologist… I sent him all the tracts of land the town owns, and he’s built a spot, but the fund is $2,000 — he refunds it if you don’t get water… wells are expensive and there are no guarantees.”
If successful, Tullis said the total project cost would be about $150,000. He added that while the system currently meets daily demand, it can struggle under peak conditions.
“There’s not going to be less houses in the future,” Tullis said. “No matter how much planning you do, there’s going to be a greater demand for water in the future.”
Councilman Ken Moore said the town must look ahead when considering infrastructure needs.
“But we have to plan for the future,” Moore said, later adding that an additional well “could compensate for what we’re having… if all goes well, there’s really no downside to it.”
Tullis noted that the town’s last well project cost about $130,000 in 2004, though that figure included land acquisition. He said the town now owns multiple parcels that could be used for a future site.
Councilman Chris Green asked whether the town had funding available for the project. Tullis said about $300,000 has been allocated in SPLOST VII for water projects, which runs through May of next year.
“In SPLOST VII we allocated about $300,000 dollars for water and that ends in May of next year,” he said.
Several council members asked whether the item would need to return on a July agenda. Tullis said the first step — the $2,000 geological assessment — can move forward under his authority.
“The mayor can authorize that, so I can go ahead and start the process,” he said.
No formal action was taken on the well discussion during the work session.
EMC agreement moves forward on first reading
Prior to the work session, the council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing a franchise agreement with Habersham EMC, with a second and final reading scheduled for the July meeting.
Tullis said the agreement formalizes the town’s franchise fee arrangement as EMC’s service area within Mount Airy has expanded.
“Georgia Power — we’ve had an agreement with Georgia Power for franchise fees forever,” he said. “Habersham EMC… this is establishing franchise fees with Habersham EMC.”
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