Soon Randall and Canyon High Schools will have new water wells to irrigate school grounds. The decision to change school water systems will save the district anywhere from $120,000 to $150,000 a year.

            Last year Currie Drilling Co. was contacted by Randy McDowell, the district assistant superintendent of businesses and operations, to dig a 465-foot well at each school. According to McDowell each well installation costs $75,000 to install.   

 “The only thing left to do is to connect them to the schools’ water system,” McDowell said.

McDowell said the district is trying to be creative and find new ways to save money after the $3.3 million reduction in funding this year. With the new ideas to save money, it will ultimately help everyone.

            “The intent was if we put in our own wells, because of the volume we have to use at these big locations, that it’s cheaper to buy electricity and pump our own than it is to buy from the city,” McDowell said.

McDowell said the schools will use the wells for irrigation but will continue using city water inside the buildings. According to McDowell Randall High School uses more than 90 percent of its water for irrigation while Canyon High School uses 80 percent.  

            The district does not currently have plans to install wells at other schools.

            “If we can find ways to try and save here and there, we will be in a better position to balance our budget without having to put undue stress on property taxes,” McDowell said.