On April 21, the Flagstaff Chapter (Erin Young, President), Kachina Village Domestic Water Improvement District (Sam Mossman, Utility Director), and KP Ventures (Kenny Porter, President) brought off an impromptu field trip in brilliant fashion. Sponsors of the outing included Spheros (Andrew Feldman, Water Resources Development Manager) and Matrix New World (Nathan Miller, President). KVDWID Board members Tyanna Burton and Alan Dulaney attended, as did many members of the Flagstaff Chapter, including Don Bills (AHS LAA). Approximately 30 people attended the event, which is a testament to the organizational skills of Flagstaff Chapter, drillers and consultants. KP Ventures and Spheros provided refreshments, which made for a convivial atmosphere as the sun set.
The objective of the field trip was to view the new supply well being constructed in Kachina Village, located south of Flagstaff. This rural subdivision is totally dependent on groundwater, provided by Kachina Village Domestic Water Improvement District (KVDWID). The new well is a replacement for Well 4A (55-559727) which dates from 1996 but suffered a casing collapse and is no longer in use. Currently three older wells provide water for the utility’s 1450 accounts, but loss of any well could potentially impact the District’s ability to provide sufficient water to all of the accounts. KVDWID is funding the construction of the replacement well out of its accumulated revenues.
KP Ventures is using a reverse circulation rig for this well. Well diameter will be eight inches. Total depth of the well will be approximately 1750 ft below ground surface. Currently drilling has reached 790 ft. The target formation is the Upper Supai. The well will be screened with stainless steel, louvered screen, with a pumping depth to be determined. KVDWID has lengthy experience with submersible pumps, and one will be installed after testing.
The photographs show attendees on the rig, as Kenny Porter and his project manager explain the reverse circulation process. By evening’s end, folks hopefully had an appreciation of the well and its importance to Kachina Village.