PLWC Undergoing Aquifer Study

September 11, 2006 - Numerous tests on the city of Paragould’s water supply began during the last week of August.  The test, which are part of a designed aquifer study, are focused on the Wilcox Aquifer, which is the source of water for the city of Paragould.  The Wilcox Aquifer also serves communities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and other areas of eastern Arkansas.  

PLWC has six operational wells and three test wells within its system.  Each well is five-hundred feet deep and all are located within a marked Wellhead Protection Area.  PLWC has a six million gallon storage capacity and has experienced a one day peak flow of 4.9 million gallons in 2006.

The aquifer study is being done to project how the aquifer is going to operate over the next 15 to 20 years and to make sure that the water supply is sufficient for the expected future growth of Paragould.  “The Wilcox Aquifer has been a very safe and stable aquifer and we want to make sure this is going to continue into the future,” said Terry Tripp, Water Plant Operator.

A series of test that will increase and decrease stress on the system will be performed on all six operational wells in PLWC’s system.  The tests will be administered by PLWC employees with the assistance of Tiraz Birdie, an independent Geological Technician. 

The aquifer study is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.  PLWC customers should experience no interruptions in service during this time.