Homeowners face water difficulties

Rural residents across northern Spokane County rely on well water to supply their homes, but dry wells and tainted water are common problems at many homes.

Those living near public water systems can connect to public lines, but it can be costly.

Here are three examples from the records of Spokane County Water District No. 3, which serves the area near Mead.

Case No. 1: A well in the 10200 block of North Fairview Road was pumping so much sand that the homeowner had to clean filters several times a day. The house was later connected to public water at a cost of $15,000.

Case No. 2: A home in the 10800 block of North Florida Lane was not getting enough water from its well to supply household needs. The water district had recently installed a main, so the homeowner spent $16,000 to connect to the main and run a line to the house.

Case No. 3: Another home in the 3700 block of East Center Road was also starved for sufficient well water. The homeowner got a waiver for part of the cost of hooking up to an adjacent water main. The cost of getting public water was $3,500.

Mike Prager