Construction is underway on an extension of Marthasville’s water system that will improve service and eventually connect to a new well and water storage north of town.

Mayor David Lange said in April that part of the extension is currently under construction to connect the northwest corner of town more directly to the planned site of the new well, which will be northeast of the city. Water line has been laid across multiple properties, with only minor setbacks, Lange said.

“Right at a creek crossing, we were ready to cross the creek, we ran into spring water there. It was pretty wet,” Lange commented during an April 21 board of aldermen meeting. The city’s contractors were also waiting on a special-order valve for the water line, which was expected to arrive near the beginning of May, Lange added.

The one concern city officials have for the overall progress of the project is that a contract is still being finalized for the property where the new well will be installed. Lange said the landowner has given permission for engineers to survey the site for their plans ahead of the contract being signed.

Cochran Engineering representative William Johanning said plans are more than 30 percent complete for the well, 300,000-gallon storage tank and access road for the system. Johanning said required consultations with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are also moving forward for well construction to begin.

Alderman Leo Meyer questioned whether it was wise to proceed so far into planning and engineering for the well site when the contract for the land has yet to be signed. Other contracts for easement or land acquisition came with some unexpected demands and hold ups, Meyer said.

“I feel a little bit uneasy  that we don’t have the contract signed. We’re gonna do this stuff, but what if at the end something crazy happens and it totally dies?” Meyer commented.

Lange responded that the property owners in question had been making legal arrangements on their end to move forward with the contract for the property, and expressed confidence that the contract will be approved. At the worst, Lange said the city could pursue an eminent domain case for the property.

Alderman Nick Lange added that the city still has time while the water line is being installed and engineering plans for the well and storage tank are developed.

“By the time we get through these next steps, we’ll be fine,” Alderman Lange said.

All that said, engineer Johanning explained that the overall schedule for the project has been delayed while the city doesn’t have possession of the property.

“Once the property has been closed on, we’ll provide an updated schedule,” Johanning commented.