Emery learns both town wells are failing, with a new well and treatment estimated at $6 million or more
September 9, 2026, 7:07 p.m. · 65 N Center St., Emery
At its Sept. 9 meeting the Emery Town Council heard from Mayor Jack Funk that inspections found both town wells in poor condition: the 5-inch casing collapsed at 37 feet and the 10-inch well has structural problems serious enough that a new pump could cause further failure. Drilling a new well with treatment for manganese, arsenic, iron and sulfur was estimated at $6,000,000 or more. The council also heard a no-upfront-cost proposal from a private company to supply water as a byproduct of deep mineral extraction, and agreed to ask more questions.
From the approved minutes. Updated November 6, 2026.
In brief
6 items came up for a decision or discussion: 4 discussed and 2 approved.
The agenda records 3 dollar amounts, the largest $6.00 million.
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 2 source documents.
4 members were present and 1 absent (Councilperson Kim Hansen).
Residents raised town wells and water quality and emergency preparedness.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Water task force: condition of the town's wells | Discussed |
| Invoices and construction delay | Approved · 4-0 |
| Pioneer church property plan | Discussed |
| Parks and recreation grant for a pavilion | Discussed |
| Kennel fee for a resident's cat sanctuary | Approved |
| Emergency preparedness | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 5.1 · Roads and utilities
Water task force: condition of the town's wells
Discussed
Assessments of the town's wells came back unfavorable. Camera inspection found the 5-inch well casing collapsed at 37 feet, making it unusable, and the 10-inch well reached depth but has structural issues serious enough that installing a new pump would risk further failure. A new well plus purification for manganese, arsenic, iron and sulfur was estimated at $6,000,000 or more. Mayor Funk said spending that amount on the existing poor-quality source was not advisable and the council will keep pursuing alternatives. A council member who is a research chemist offered information on a cast-in-place pipelining technology.
- Budget$6.00 million
- Contaminants cited: manganese, arsenic, iron, sulfur
Item 5.2 · Presentation
Proposal to supply water from deep-well mineral extraction
Discussed
A private company, Fairview Resources, proposed providing the town drinking, secondary and agricultural water as a byproduct of extracting minerals from deep wells (5,000 to 15,000 feet), at no upfront cost. The technology has been used in Saudi Arabia, California and Minnesota and was described as state-approved. The town would keep its water rights and land, the company would keep the extracted minerals, and the project could be done within six months to a year. Concerns were raised about seismic activity linked to injection, as observed near Moab, and about a possible conflict with the town's engineering firm. The council agreed to prepare more questions and arrange a follow-up meeting.
- Company: Fairview Resources
- Cost to town: none upfront, per the proposal
Item 4 · Budget
Invoices and construction delay
Approved · 4-0
The council approved payment of outstanding bills. Members noted a delay in the town's construction project because Build America, Buy America requirements make some plumbing materials hard to source domestically.
Item 7.1 · Parks
Pioneer church property plan
Discussed
The property has a landscape and development plan that includes an amphitheater for concerts and community performances. Current grant funding is for planning only, with construction grants to follow once a plan is final.
Item 9.1 · Parks
Parks and recreation grant for a pavilion
Discussed
A $15,000 Parks and Recreation grant application for a gazebo or pavilion to serve as an outdoor classroom is nearly complete, with a deadline the following week. The council discussed placement and getting local quotes. A Utah State University pollinator planting is planned near the tennis courts.
- Grant$15,000
Item 12 · Other
Kennel fee for a resident's cat sanctuary
Approved
A resident told the council he keeps about 55 cats, all spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, in a temperature-controlled shed with an outdoor enclosure, and does not breed, take in new animals or offer adoptions. The council agreed it most resembles a personal sanctuary rather than a kennel and approved a provisional $100 fee for the rest of the year, paid as two $50 quarterly payments, with written confirmation of vaccinations from a veterinarian. He offered to help with stray-cat trap-neuter-return efforts at no charge.
- Fee$100
Item 7.2 · Public safety
Emergency preparedness
Discussed
Councilperson Durfey said community participation in preparedness efforts has been very low despite emergency-kit guidance in the town newsletter. Discussion covered the town's call-out notification system, which is not working, a possible town app or text tips, a list of community resources such as generators, evacuation and muster points, and a recommendation that residents review homeowner's insurance, since flood coverage requires a separate federal policy. The council agreed to set up a central online source of emergency information.
What residents said
Town wells and water qualityEmergency preparedness