Marion growth prompts 7th water well

With its population growing at the rate of 795 new residents per year, Marion needs more water, streets and sewers.

Marion's population rose from 26,294 in the 2000 U.S. Census to 32,821 on July 1, according to the Iowa Data Center. The city's 1999 comprehensive plan projected the community's population at 33,000 in 2020.

Dave Hockett, assistant director of the Marion Planning and Development Department, said if the current trend of new residents per year continues, the city's population is projected to reach 40,000 by 2020.

The Marion Water Department is planning to meet the need for additional water by drilling a seventh well next spring in the northwest quadrant of the community.

Todd Steigerwaldt, general manager of the Marion Water Department, said the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is concerned that if the city's main well went down during peak load in the summer months, the community's water supply would be adequate but tight.

“We have been working with a subdivision developer to secure the land for a seventh well,” Steigerwaldt said. “It would be located off Echo Hill Road northeast of the new Echo Hill Elementary School.”

Steigerwaldt said the last well constructed 10 years ago in John W. Gill Park at 3450 Hawthorne St. cost about $2 million. It was funded by money set aside by the Marion Water Department over a 20-year period.

The new well is projected to cost $3 million, including the cost of drilling, land, pumping equipment, storage tank and construction of a cinder block building.

Steigerwaldt said the city is seeking I-Jobs or Community Development Block Grant funds and a loan from the state revolving loan fund.

“We continue to experience strong population growth and feel we need a seventh deep well,” Steigerwaldt said. “The northwest quadrant has been experiencing an increase in new housing, a trend we expect to continue.”

The Marion Water Department board of trustees will hold a public hearing on the proposed well at 5:15 p.m. today at City Hall.