Dunkirk Approves $65,257 for Critical Water Pump and Well Repairs

From the Dunkirk City Council meeting on June 22, 2026

The Dunkirk City Council unanimously approved two emergency water infrastructure repairs totaling $65,257 after Water Superintendent Brock reported serious performance problems.

One of the city's three high-service water pumps — Pump #3, which helps supply water to the entire distribution system — has lost 150 to 200 gallons per minute of pressure. It is now running 19 to 20 hours per day to move the same volume of water the other pumps handle in six to seven hours, driving up electricity costs. The council approved $21,837 for a full overhaul of the pump, which was last serviced in 2020.

The city's south-side Well #4 is producing roughly 37,000 gallons per day — less than half its designed capacity of 70,000 to 80,000 gallons. The council approved up to $43,420 for chemical cleaning, equipment inspection, and potentially a new pump and motor. The pump sits approximately 210 feet underground and was last serviced in 2021. The $43,420 is a worst-case estimate — if the existing pump and motor can be reused after cleaning, the cost would be lower.

Both repairs will be paid from water utility funds.

Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - June 22, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.