Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MANTUA, Box Elder County — Around 1,200 residents have been asked not to water outdoors and use minimal water inside after an issue with a pump at the well in Mantua.
The town, which is located on the eastern edge of Box Elder County near Brigham City, announced the issue in a social media post Wednesday morning, saying, "Emergency ... Pump is down at well ... no water usage until further notice."
A later update said a "code red" had been issued, but said residents could use "minimal indoor water only," absolutely no outside watering until further notice."
Water officials noticed that a pump on the town's primary water tank failed to turn on around 4:30 a.m., according to Mantua Public Works Director Harper Johnson. The town was able to get another well running, but it is pumping less than half the normal amount, which is why residents are told not to use unnecessary water.
Johnson said a specialist is on the way to assess the problem but wasn't able to estimate how long the issue will persist.
"I wouldn't even begin to guess right now for fear of giving people false hopes," he said. "I can't even begin to guess because we don't know for sure the extent of the problem and how available parts are."
The amount of water left in the tanks would normally last between two and three hours, but Johnson said they hope to extend that by having residents cut back.
Mantua's population was estimated to be around 1,256 in 2022 by U.S. census data, but Johnson said the town has seen a lot of growth in recent years and he places the current population between 1,500 and 1,600.
He said the town will keep residents up to date through their website and Facebook page.
