Los Banos cemetery well fails, less watering scheduled for summer

Residents visiting deceased loved ones at the Los Banos District Cemetery this summer will notice a lot of yellow and brown grass, and it’s not just because of the governor’s water conservation mandate.

Cemetery Manager Linda Brown said one of the facility’s two wells is no longer operating.

“The casing collapsed about two weeks ago. It means we’re down to one well,” Brown said.

She said watering of the cemetery grass will be cut in half until a second well is in operation. The cemetery was already ordered by Governor Jerry Brown to reduce the watering schedule by 25 percent due to the state’s drought.

Brown said the 50 percent reduction includes the governor’s order and water will continue to be supplied to the cemetery’s restrooms and office.

The well that failed is 17 years old and has corroded casing, according to the cemetery manager. Brown said the cemetery district’s board of directors is not certain whether the casing can be replaced or if a new well has to be installed. She said the cemetery district is anticipating the cost will be “significant” whichever scenario occurs.

The district is working with local well drillers and pump suppliers to resolve the situation, but it may be six weeks to two months before a second well is operational.

Brown said she has not received any complaints since the well was taken out of service.

“I think people understand,” she said.

It is important to keep the public informed of what is happening, Linda Brown said.

She said she wants residents to know cemetery staff does care about the facility’s appearance.

“The upkeep of the cemetery is important to us. The District appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during this difficult year,” Brown said.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Los Banos cemetery well fails, less watering scheduled for summer."