The Excelsior Springs Friends of the Wells (FOW) Committee recently received the results of water testing conducted on Soda Well No. 1 and Lithia Well No. 1 and is planning to move forward with restoring at least one of the historic wells.
According to the reports, both wells contain low levels of two forms of bacteria, E. coli and E. Coliform. However, Dennis Hartman, FOW Board Chair, explained that the waters can easily be decontaminated, and plans will proceed as FOW has decided to refurbish Lithia No. 1, located next door to Willow Spring Mercantile, 249 E Broadway Ave.
Hartman explained the reasoning for choosing Lithia Well No. 1. He said that not only was the water quality much better at the Lithia Well, but if Soda Well No. 1 were to be refurbished, it would have to be cleaned and sleeved with a new lining. Preferred Well Drilling, who helped perform the well tests, said that because Soda Well No. 1 was in a flood plain, the sleeve would need to be extended nearly 25 feet above ground level to avoid flooding contamination, making it impractical to use.
Hartman noted that an earlier analysis of Litha Well No. 1 indicated zero lithium in the water. However, recent results revealed that the well actually contains iron-manganese salts. Despite the fact that the well may no longer contain measurable levels of lithium, the plan is to keep the historic name.
“Lithia No. 1 is not located in the flood plain and is next to the Downtown Economic Partnership’s (DEP) proposed Lithia Landing,” added Hartman. “The cost to sleeve Soda Well No. 1 was near the cost to dig a new well,” ultimately making the decision to focus on the Litha Well relatively easy.
The exact cost to fully refurbish Lithia Well No. 1 is still being evaluated. However, an initial $1,400 has been allocated to sterilize the water by purchasing a UV light and a new well pump. Additional steps in the project include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting the well
- Improving the drainage on the concrete well wall
- Fabricating a 32-inch steel plate with a 1-inch coupling
- Cutting a hole in the steel decking for pump insertion
- Installing electrical wiring, a meter, and the UV light
- Making repairs to the well’s Pagoda structure
- Installing the well pump
“Unless something major stops the project, FOW wants to see Lithia No. 1 operable by next summer, Hartman said. “Having the water available by Waterfest would be great.”
To help fund the project, Hartman has authored a new book, The Mineral Waters of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, which explores the mineral composition and history of each of the area’s well sites. Published by DiggyPOD, the book was supported through a City Community Grant. Proceeds from the book will go directly toward the Lithia Well No. 1 project.
The book is available for purchase at the Hall of Waters each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting December 14, 2024, through the holiday season. Hartman plans to be at the Hall to sign copies of the book and visit with those interested in the history of the waters. Copies are also available at Other Trails Coffee Shop or online at Friends of the Wells. Local retailers interested in selling the book to support the project can contact Hartman at dhartman1930a@gmail.com or (816) 630-1188.
With the project underway and community support growing, the Friends of the Wells are helping to bring Excelsior Springs one step closer to restoring its rich legacy of mineral water culture. “Refurbishing Lithia No. 1 will give the community a chance to taste a piece of Excelsior Springs’ history,” Hartman said. “Tourists will finally be able to do what they’ve always wanted—taste the mineral waters!”
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