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New Water Source for Andrews

Better than oil and gas our most valuable resource may soon be a little more accessible in Andrews. City engineers are getting ready to drill a few test wells on a site, they say, could hike their town's supply.
By: Sarah Snyder
NewsWest 9

ANDREWS - Better than oil and gas our most valuable resource may soon be a little more accessible in Andrews. City engineers are getting ready to drill a few test wells on a site, they say, could hike their town's supply.

A mystery is sitting right below these mesquite bushes.

"This holds out hope to us and we thought we ought to explore it," Glen Hackler, City Manager of Andrews said.

A 60-year-old engineering report says there's water underneath it all. And a new project is aimed at figuring out just how much.

They're planning to start drilling on the site in the next few weeks. It's 9600 acres about seven miles outside of the City of Andrews. Engineers tell NewsWest 9, depending on the quality and quantity, it could add 20-50 years onto their water supply.

Right now, the city has enough water to last 50 years, but the chance to double that, is something that doesn't come around often.

"I think it's unique to find a new well field that we think has enough water to serve a municipality," Hackler said. "I think that's what's encouraging to us about it."

The cost to find out if water is underneath? $250,000. They'll start off drilling six to ten wells then engineers will test the water quality - but no one's complaining about the cost.

"$250,000 to drill a site to see if there's water?" Chase Gore, an Andrews Neighbor said. "That's a good price. I would go for that."

"If we have found it, then I say definitely use the money because it will help us as a community to continue in our growth and development," Judy Bailey, Andrews Neighbor said.

"I do feel secure about it, being a brand new Texan, with the water supply and the possible changes to come!" Wendi Cowne, Andrews Neighbor said.

The next step will be contracting with an area company to begin the drilling in March. At that point, their answers on the quality and quantity should be in by May or June.

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