In the spring of 2020, Dover Township began exploring new groundwater sources to replace Well 7, which had been permanently removed from service due to turbidity issues. As part of this effort, three test wells—7A, 7B, and 7C—were planned to be drilled in the surrounding area.
Well 7A showed similar water production to the original Well 7, but potential use was limited by existing permit conditions. The Township then moved forward with drilling Well 7C, which reached a depth of 600 feet and produced a significantly higher blown yield—approximately 150 gallons per minute. Thanks to this promising output and the location of deeper water-bearing zones, the decision was made to proceed with 7C as a new production well, now named Well 11.
Bringing a new well online is a complex, multi-year process. It involves extensive testing, sampling, groundwater monitoring, engineering design, and close coordination with both the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). Before any construction could begin, the Township was required to secure approvals from both agencies.
Following receipt of these approvals, physical work began in the summer of 2025. Dover Township partnered with Subsurface Technologies to convert the well to production. Their work included installing a pit-less adapter, performing an Aqua Freed treatment, and setting the pump, motor, and well level transducer.
Meanwhile, the Dover Township Water Department connected the wellhead to the existing raw water line, installed new security cameras, and upgraded the piping inside the pump houses. In addition, E.K. Services was contracted to install a new 36-inch pipe and fittings to replace the existing contact tank.
Once final site work and system programming are complete, the Township will schedule inspections with DEP and SRBC. We anticipate that Well 11 will be fully operational in fall 2025.
This new well will add 100 gallons per minute to our water system—an important step in meeting Dover Township’s growing demand for clean, reliable water.
