The Beatrice Water Department was able to obtain funds from the Nebraska State Revolving Loan Fund for 0% interest with a 30-year payback. This opportunity came at a very good time for the department.
First of all, a 174-acre farm adjacent to the City Farm Wellfield was purchased in late 2022. This farm will provide additional water for the City of Beatrice if needed in the future. Three test holes were drilled to check for the available water. The water supply quality is very good and there is adequate water available for additional wells for the community. Presently, we have leased the property out with no fertilizer applications allowed and have had alfalfa on the property for the last two summers. The lease income is applied to the loan on the property.
Secondly, the City Farm Wellfield is the major supplier of drinking water for the City of Beatrice. We average around two (2) million gallons a day of usage and 99% of the water comes from this wellfield. The water at this wellfield is low in nitrates and has excellent quality, so no additional treatment is necessary at this time. There also is an adequate supply of water for the community’s needs. This wellfield has been in service since 1997. However, at present, there is only one 24-inch transmission line coming to town. This water line was installed by City staff and has been in service since 1997. If we should have this transmission line out of service for repairs, then the City would have to operate on the water available in our water reservoirs and water towers. The new transmission line will connect the City’s two (2) existing well fields. This will allow us to serve water to Beatrice in times of need and gives us two supply lines for our drinking water.
And lastly, it was decided to hire a contractor to replace the water mains on 4th Street from Bell to Grant, on Court Street from 4th to Hayes Street, and on Market Street from 3rd to 6th Street. The age of these water mains exceeded 100 years in service. If we had a water main break in the downtown area with the size and age of the pipe it could cause serious problems for businesses. Presently, 4th Street is complete and Court Street is about 30% complete. Market Street will be completed as soon as possible after the completion of Court Street. Hopefully, the project will be complete by mid-November.
I realize there is never a good time for construction work, but these projects are important to the future of Beatrice. Thanks for your patience as the contractor works through this project.
Steve Kelley
Water Superintendent