Yerington production well damaged, county seeks funding for repairs

Updated 2:30 p.m. May 21

The City of Yerington declared a state of emergency on May 16 after a primary production well sustained catastrophic damages and remains offline, according to Lyon County Emergency Manager Taylor Allison.

The county is helping residents to take proactive measures during the peak production months this summer between July and late August or early September. Allison reported to the Lyon County Commission on May 16 although the well itself was designed to provide 18% of the city’s water supply, it was utilizing more than that among of three wells available for city use.

“City officials want to reassure the community that there is no immediate concern for residents and businesses,” according to a statement from the city of Yerington. “The remaining wells continue to meet current demands, and measures are being implemented to ensure a continuous and reliable water supply as we work towards restoring full capacity as quickly and safely as possible.”

The well that has been damaged previously was taken offline in November 2023 after Public Works notified residents that uranium levels slightly exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contaminant level of .03 mg/L at .037 mg/L. The situation was not considered to be an emergency situation at the time and partnered with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to take corrective measures.

According to the city statement, the well’s casing experienced damage due to high uranium levels approximately 100 feet below the surface, which resulted in irreparable damage to the motor and pump.

To relieve pressure on the damaged well, Lyon County’s emergency management and utilities staff are considering water conservation strategies, including the implementation of a watering schedule on public parks and fields. Allison said the city manager has explored reducing watering by 20% each day to alleviate stress on the commercial water supplies. But no restrictions are in place as of yet.

Staff also is looking at providing public education to help avoid water waste to help residents ensure their sprinklers are installed correctly for watering their lawns and not their driveways, for example.

Allison said the City of Yerington approved its water conservation plan in 2022, noting peak demand typically occurs with high heat.

“We’re hoping we get more time and we won’t see a peak this month,” she said, referring to an eight- to 14-day outlook calling for above-average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to almost 90 degrees by the end of the month.

While last year’s flooding have helped to keep overall temperatures down last year, officials are still gauging the city’s weather and potential for high heat to monitor peak demand for water use, she said.

“Being down a well indicates Public Works will operate a tighter operation,” she said.

Long-term solutions are to identify and pursue funding sources to help avoid the issue in the future, she said. It’s not likely to receive the aid to replace the well before this summer. However, Lyon is reaching out to agencies such as the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, the Governor’s Office Energy, the Division of Emergency Management and other regulatory bodies for assistance to get back online sooner, she said.

The strategy means preparing residents for a more conservative approach in their water use in their peak demand months this water, which typically fall between July and September.

Original story, 8 a.m. May 21

The city of Yerington’s water supply could be impacted in the coming months after a primary production well sustained catastrophic damages and remains offline, according to Lyon County Emergency Manager Taylor Allison.

The county is helping residents to plan for all possible scenarios during the peak production months this summer between July and late August or early September. Allison reported to the Lyon County Commission Thursday although the well itself was designed to provide 18% of the city’s water supply, it was utilizing more than that among of three wells available for city use.

To relieve pressure on the damaged well, Lyon County’s emergency management and utilities staff are considering water conservation strategies, including the implementation of a watering schedule on public parks and fields. Allison said the city manager has explored reducing watering by 20% each day to alleviate stress on the commercial water supplies. Staff also is looking at providing public education to help avoid water waste to help residents ensure their sprinklers are installed correctly for watering their lawns and not their driveways, for example.

Allison said the City of Yerington approved its water conservation plan in 2022, noting peak demand typically occurs with high heat.

“We’re hoping we get more time and we won’t see a peak this month,” she said, referring to an eight- to 14-day outlook calling for above-average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to almost 90 degrees by the end of the month.

While last year’s flooding have helped to keep overall temperatures down last year, officials are still gauging the city’s weather and potential for high heat to monitor peak demand for water use, she said.

“Being down a well indicates Public Works will operate a tighter operation,” she said.

Long-term solutions are to identify and pursue funding sources to help avoid the issue in the future, she said. It’s not likely to receive the aid to replace the well before this summer. However, Lyon is reaching out to agencies such as the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, the Governor’s Office Energy, the Division of Emergency Management and other regulatory bodies for assistance to get back online sooner, she said.

The strategy means preparing residents for a more conservative approach in their water use in their peak demand months this water, which typically fall between July and September.