EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Oct. 22, 2024) – Efforts to restore the mineral water wells in Excelsior Springs took a promising step forward this week as Friends of the Wells hosted Preferred Well Drilling to assess the quality of two historic wells: Soda Well No. 1 and Lithia Well No. 1. Preferred Well Drilling, led by owner Kathleen Yoakum, conducted tests on each well to determine potability and mineral content, which will determine whether these natural resources could once again serve the community and visitors to Excelsior Springs.
Dennis Hartman, chair of the Friends of the Wells committee, accompanied the testing team as they evaluated the two wells. The Lithia well, located on East Broadway near Willow Spring Mercantile, showed great potential, with Yoakum describing it as “possibly one of the cleanest and clearest wells” she had ever tested. This promising result offers hope that the Lithia well may one day be restored for public use as a sampling source or even a potential feature for spa bathing at the historic Hall of Waters. Testing involved submersing a pump into the well to draw fresh water, which was then collected and sent to a lab for further analysis. Results are expected within the next two weeks.
In contrast, the soda well, located behind the Hall of Waters in a flood-prone area, presented significant challenges. Upon pumping, it produced a thick, black sludge indicative of deterioration. Even after clearing, the water remained discolored with a brown, rusty hue, suggesting damage to the well’s lining and possibly more extensive repairs needed if restoration is to proceed. Despite these obstacles, Friends of the Wells remains hopeful that with thorough inspection and testing, they can determine a viable path forward.
The restoration project, spearheaded by Friends of the Wells, is a community-driven initiative to identify an existing mineral water source that could be returned to public use. If successful, the reintroduction of drinkable mineral water would address a longstanding need identified in the city’s 2010 strategic plan, which emphasized developing new tourism activities. This project holds the potential not only to draw visitors eager to experience Excelsior Springs’ famous mineral waters but also to bolster local heritage tourism and contribute to economic growth.
“Having one of our original mineral waters available would bring a renewed sense of pride to the community,” said Friends of the Well board member Sonya Morgan. “It’s about honoring our past and creating opportunities for the future.”
If proven viable, a restored mineral water source could also open doors for local breweries, retail development, and new event spaces in downtown, adding depth to Excelsior Springs’ appeal as a tourist destination. The Friends of the Wells envision the restored Lithia well site as the cornerstone of “Lithia Landing,” a future gathering space for locals and tourists alike. The impact on local businesses, from hotels to eateries, could be substantial, as visitors would have the opportunity to connect with the city’s rich history through its famous mineral waters.
Friends of the Wells is optimistic that their continued efforts will contribute to a revitalized downtown and encourage community pride, all while celebrating Excelsior Springs’ origin story. To learn more about restoration efforts, visit friendsofthewells.org.
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