City on Monday will pull city well supplying water to Olam and evaluate

As of Friday, Lemoore public works officials were still busy evaluating the long-used well, referred to as No. 9 that over the years was used strictly by Olam or its predecessor, SK Foods. City Manager Nathan Olson expects that the No. 9 will be “pulled” on Monday (July 22) and then at that point determine whether it can be repaired.

“We’re going to pull it and see if we can try to fix it,” said Olson. He told The Leader that a recent power outage contributed to the well’s shutdown.

City officials, so that Olam can continue its plant operations, opened water distribution valves to supply water to the plant. The move had an immediate effect on the city’s entire water system, prompting the City to start up well No. 12 to meet the city’s water demands.

Well No. 12, according to city officials, is known to have a color issue and is high in TOC (total organic carbon) which produces a tea-like color. However, the water is safe for human consumption and is chlorinated to State of California Department of Drinking Water standards.