Spring News and Updates
Last month, we received a lot of moisture in a short period of time. There was water wasted due to customer valves being left on. We believe all customer leaks have been located and turned off. At least 1.2 million gallons of water was wasted. There are damages from the storm. There are roads to repair and main lines to secure. As weather continues to be warmer and drier, we are preparing to start the necessary repairs to the District roads and facilities. The plan is to accomplish this over the next two to three months and then the District crews will continue our main line project on Pine Ridge, Deer Path and Laurel Trail. Our goal is to tie all the meter connections to the new main line and abandon the old 4” main line. Extensions will continue on Rosaline and Laurel Trail as time and weather allow us, this fall.
A special thanks to Supervisor Washington and his legal assistant Opel Helwig, for their continued support of the PCWD through CSA #38. Many large steamer fire hydrants that have been purchased by CSA #38, are an asset to our community. We will continue to install larger main lines to accommodate these hydrants.
Due to all of the great moisture we received and our anticipation that the ground water levels will improve, effective 4/1/2019, we will be returning to Stage 1 water conservation level, which is “voluntary compliance”. Rates do not change between stages, up or down. Although, as previously approved thru Prop 218 process, a multi-year plan was adopted, and effective 4/1/2019, the bi-monthly rate of $65.00 will increase to $68.00. The increase for the cost per 1000 gallons will show up on your 6/1/2019 billing statement. All charges of the District were based on costs determined by our Engineering firm last year.
MHI Survey: All customers within our District have received two requests from California Rural Water requesting income information. This process is part of the Median Household Income Survey, requested for and paid for by PCWD. Many of you have responded, but If you are not comfortable with doing so, I’m fine with that. I understand. However, a third notice will be sent out in the near future. If you have NOT filled one out before, please do so. We are only 20 responses short to hit the minimum amount needed. If completed, I believe this will save us thousands of dollars a year, and most important, it will improve the opportunity to receive grant funds and low interest loans.
Our Board of Directors and District staff continues to be very transparent. We encourage our customers to visit our website and blog. Viewing both helps you learn and stay informed of whats happening in the Pine Cove Water District. The Board meets monthly, the 2nd Wednesday @ 10:00 am, and as always, the meeting is open to the public. And yes, I continue to have an open door policy and I encourage everyone to call or come see me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Please!
Unfortunately, our weather station up top at Rocky Point Property has not been working properly. It shows the weather, but not the accumulation of rain/snow. We are in the process of researching options and hoping to have the new system up and running on the website soon. This spring, we will be adding more webcams on our Dutch Flats properties, for wildlife and to aid us in keeping an eye out for trespassers.
Coming up is fiscal year 2019/2020. I don’t anticipate many changes. We plan on continuing our Leak Reward and Rebate Programs, giving away compost and wood chips, being as helpful and transparent as possible to each and every customer.
If you haven’t already, please provide or update your email address with the District Office staff. E-mails are a great tool to help us inform you, of important items and emergencies. Contact the office with your info. We will not sell or give your info to private enterprises.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to shut your water off when you leave your mountain home, located at or near our water meter. You will find it by the green 4’ stake.
Hwy’s 243 and 74 remain closed, estimated to be maybe 4 months until the opening. For up to date info, please go to the Idyllwild Town Crier website.
24-7/365 days a year, one of us will always be on call, for after hour emergencies. Please call 951-294-8282. If you need to get in touch with Becky or Lindsay in the office, please call between 9-4 Mon-Friday at 951-659-2675. If you need to fax anything, our fax # is 951-659-3112. Jerry can be reached at the office number, or on his cell 951-236-9163. Please visit our website and blog at www.pcwd.org.
