Coupeville eyes county wells, water

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, April 2, 2003

Hoping to improve the quality and quantity of its water, the town of Coupeville is negotiating the use of two county-owned wells.

The wells, located near Rhodendron Park, produce more water than Coupeville’s wells. At the same time, their central-island location makes them less susceptible to seawater intrusion. Saltwater has been detected in some of the town’s wells.

Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said it could take the remainder of the year to negotiate an agreement with the county.

Gwen Maxfield, the county’s assistant public works director, said the deal needs approval by the county commissioners and the state Department of Ecology.

She said the deal, if consummated, will give the county a means to sell excess water.

As the town starts negotiations with the county, it is also updating its water plan. In the next six years, the town plans to drill its own wells further inland.

Coupeville is supplied by wells that are located in town and several near Fort Casey. Each location is close to the shore.

As part of its water plan the town is testing a new well near Fort Casey and has plans for putting in two additional wells.

The town plans to spend more than $900,000 to complete its projects.

Conard said that the town will pay for these projects through utility payments. She said rates will not increase.