Through generous donations, the Friends of the Wells have completed testing and inspection of two mineral water wells in October 2024 … Soda Well No. 1 and Lithia Well No. 1. Results indicated that we abandon the Soda Well for redevelopment, however, results for the Lithia/Calcium look very good for redevelopment. The lithia well is located next to Willow Spring Mercantile on East Broadway, the proposed site of Lithia Landing, a new outdoor gathering space for downtown. Further inspection/investigation will help to determine the viability of the well and how it might be returned to use to serve a “taste of the waters” Excelsior Springs is renowned for.

Long-range planning is to find an existing mineral water well that can be returned to use in drinking and, perhaps, spa bathing, at the Hall of Waters.  This will fill a gap that the community has in not meeting expectations of many visitors who are seeking to taste the mineral waters. It would also serve to fill a gap identified in the 2010 strategic plan that proposes an additional one or two destination activities be developed inside the city for serving the tourism population.

If the committee is able to find a mineral water deemed potable (safe to drink), the entire city stands to benefit through increased economy, heritage tourism, and community pride. The Friends of the Wells believe that the greatest, positive impact to restoration of the Hall of Waters would be to have at least one of our waters available at the water bar. It is also an important step in promoting tourism, an industry supporting our hotel and downtown businesses. It would provide new opportunities for our local breweries, further business development for retail and event venues throughout the community, and provide job creation. It will instill new pride in our heritage and provide authenticity to our origin story.

The next step is to create a development plan that defines our partnership with city government, what other well sites might be restorable, estimated costs, and fundraising opportunities.