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Groundwater wells supply about 65% of Flagstaff’s potable water needs. Fort Tuthill #2 is the first well drilled since 2009. Drilling on this second well at Ft. Tuthill  began in February and will augment the city’s southwest distribution system, producing an expected flow rate of 250 to 1,200 gallons per minute.

Well-drilling on the Colorado Plateau, including tapping into the Cococino Aquifer, is challenging, with the top of the aquifer averaging 1,000 feet through difficult rock layers. Site locations are determined by a host of geophysical studies. The bottom of Ft. Tuthill #2 will likely be  2,500 feet. The drilling contractor, Boart Longyear of Salt Lake City, employs an efficient, dual rotor technology that saves money and produces a straighter well. 

This project is the first of five wells in the capital plan to meet demands for water supply triggered by growth, the wells do add resiliency to the city’s water supply, buffering against climate change or infrastructure failure. While the entire city benefits from this new water resource over time, the additional supply need is a cost paid by capacity (new development) fees and does not impact user rates.

Follow along with the well drilling progress through this interactive story map. Stay tuned for a video on well drilling in Flagstaff.

Questions or comments? Reply to ldeem@flagstaffaz.gov or call Lisa Deem, at (928) 213-2471

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