CHIMACUM – An exploratory well was drilled to 600 feet by Friday but still fell short of tapping into a substantial deep aquifer as Jefferson County Public Utility District officials and others had hoped.

As the deepest well in Chimacum Valley history came within 20 feet of its mark, a nearly 300-foot layer of thick, dark clay gave way to coarse gravel with some sand.

It was a sign water might be not too far below, said PUD Resource Manager Bill Graham.

Graham, a geologist, has overseen the project with Port Townsend hydrogeologist Peter Schwartzman, who works with the Seattle consultant firm, Pacific Groundwater Group.

State and federal geologists and hydrogeologists have been checking in on the investigation, visiting the well site.