Legislative Win Clears Path for Mineral Water Revival in Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs, Mo. – The Excelsior Springs Friends of the Wells Committee met last week to discuss several important achievements in restoring access to one or more of the city’s mineral waters. Testing of the Lithia No. 1 well last October provided favorable reports for its refurbishment. Since that time, continued testing and discussions with the Clay County Health Department and DNR have occurred.

In February, Dennis Hartman, FOTW Chairman, went to Jefferson City to implore help with a change to a 1939 law that would allow Excelsior Springs to use city funds for maintenance of its mineral water assets. With the help of Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Mark Meirath, a bill has passed both the House and the Senate that will allow the City of Excelsior Springs to pursue the mineral waters for tourism benefits. It is expected to be signed into law in August.

Meirath, an Excelsior Springs resident, said in a recent Facebook post, “The mineral water will again flow to the iconic Hall of Waters. The potential to open health spas, bringing tourists to our beautiful community. This will generate revenue for the city, which is a very good thing!”

Lithia Well No. 1 is located at 249 Broadway Ave., next to Willow Spring Mercantile. It is also the location of a proposed outdoor gathering space to be developed by the Downtown Excelsior Partnership called Lithia Landing. FOTW committee members believe having the historic mineral water for tasting at Lithia Landing will provide an enhanced destination for residents and visitors to downtown.

During the first week of June, Doug Edmundson, President of Mineral Springs Foundation, Manitou Springs, Colorado, will be coming to Excelsior Springs to help provide expertise and support in refurbishing the Lithia well. FOTW is grateful to General Manager Duke Christopher for donating a two-night stay at the Elms Hotel and Spa for Edmundson. The Manitou Springs are open to the public through a partnership of the foundation and the city. A similar Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Excelsior Springs and FOTW is being discussed.

Visitors to Waterfest on June 27 and 28 are invited to visit FOTW’s booth near the Lithia well to learn more about project plans and our mineral water history. A recently published book, “The Mineral Waters of Excelsior Springs, Missouri,” will be available for sale, with proceeds going to mineral water restoration. More information and donations can be made at http://friendsofthewells.org.