Pictured is one of ten wells that provide all water to the City of Oskaloosa. 

Originally the South Skunk River was the primary water source for the City. It was determined however, that there was a water bearing formation (aquifer) located along the river that was able to provide additional water. A series of wells were drilled and the source water became a combination of both river and well water. 

Several years later a decision was made to do away entirely with the river water source and rely solely on wells. This proved a good decision in that not only was the source plentiful, but the quality of the well water was substantially higher than the river water.

All of the Oskaloosa wells are between 50 and 55 feet in depth. Two of the older wells are rated at 350 gallons per minute, with the remaining wells rated at 500 gallons per minute. All of the wells are the vertical turbine type like the one pictured above. Every year several wells are taken off-line for cleaning and general maintenance.