Water returns to the landmark fountain in Pahrump

The landmark fountain at Calvada Boulevard is getting back into operation due to efforts by Nye County.

Crews were on Calvada Boulevard and Highway 160 on Wednesday working at the site. Water has been flowing from the fountain periodically since Tuesday, but the project is still in the testing phase and is not yet completed.

According to information from Nye County, the fountain hasn’t been functional for nearly six years, but “Nye County Buildings and Grounds has been cleaning and painting the landmark fountain during the past few months,” according to the county’s social media page.

According to a statement from Nye County, the fountain is good for the town and county, “since the fountain sits on the main entrance to the county and Pahrump town offices. Monetarily, the county did the work internally through county buildings and grounds,” so the county doesn’t have a lot invested into the project, “which included cleaning and a new paint job. But the joy it will bring the town of Pahrump and travelers who are used to seeing it work will be priceless.”

The fountain sustained damage due to an automobile crash in 2016.

Valley Electric Association had given responsibility back to the county earlier in 2018. It had taken over the project in 2009, after having completed repairs that were needed at the time.

According to a May 25, 2018 report in the Times, “a hand-delivered letter, dated May 4, 2018, to the Nye County Board of Commissioners stated that ‘the desires of the community and those of the co-op were at loggerheads and because of this, the utility would no longer be moving forward with any fountain proposals.’”

In early May, Nye County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Koenig announced that the responsibility now lies with the county during a commission meeting.

Town reaction

People have taken to the Pahrump Valley Times’ Facebook page in response to the announcement by the county.

“Sure makes coming in to town beautiful sight!” stated Tracey Resh on the publication’s social media page.

Angel Hunn Mercer simply said “Yay!”

Marsha Raczniak said it was “so pretty,” in her Facebook comment.

Many other positive comments were given on the fountain coming back in operation.

One commenter was critical of the amount of water being pumped at the fountain, stating maybe it should be slowed to save energy.

Contact reporter Jeffrey Meehan at jmeehan@pvtimes.com