Pine Cove Water District would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Next week the office will be closed in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas day on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you would like to make a payment while we are closed you can do so online or drop it though the office door slot. If you have a water emergency like a burst pipe or leak please call the on call emergency line (951)294-8282
May your holidays be filled with love and laughter!
Wow, winter sure came early this year! We have already had two good snow falls, one of which was over two feet here in Pine Cove. Followed by a rain storm that lasted a few days. Our weather station has recorded 2.63 inches of rain just for this month and a total of 9.4 inches just since April when it was first installed. That doesn’t account for the massive rainfall we had in February (8 inches I believe) and all the snow storms we had in the beginning of the year. It sure is refreshing to have lots of precipitation this year especially after the years of drought and having little to no snow. Here at PCWD we appreciate when the sky brings as a bounty of water to provide to our customers. However, we always promote conservation in this District because you never know what kind of winter season next year will provide. So, it is best to conserve our precious commodity.
The winter weather and low temperatures can cause frozen, leaky or burst pipes even underground. We advise all of our customers to turn your customer valve off by the meter when you leave your mountain home. Forgetting to turn off your water during the winter season increases the risk for burst pipes and damage to your home. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes and serious, costly damage is the result. If you don’t know where your customer valve is we would be happy to send a field worker during regular office hours to come show you or if you need your customer valve shut off we can shut it off for you for a $15 service charge. In the unfortunate event that a pipe does break any and all water that is lost will be the responsibility of the homeowner. PCWD does not forgive any water usage even if it is from a burst pipe. As always feel free to contact to office for any questions or concerns regarding your water bill, usage or winterizing your home. Stay safe, warm and have happy holidays!
Be advised that roads can close without notice if they are determined unsafe for the traveling public.
Below are some other helpful driving tips.
Before you start your journey, check travel conditions.
Check tires and wipers to make sure they are in good condition.
Have a full tank of gas.
Slow down when driving in adverse weather conditions. Reduce your speed when roadways are icy or wet and your sight of distance is affected.
Avoid travel during heavy rain or snow events.
Bring chains if you are traveling to the mountain areas. Weather in the mountain areas is often unpredictable. Be smart by having chains in your vehicle in case chain control is issued.
Chains should never be put on in the road. Use a safe area to install your chains to not disrupt traffic or put anyone in danger.
Never use turnouts or park in the middle of the roadway for snow play. Only park in designated areas and do not trespass on private property.
For long trips bring water, warm clothing, blankets, a charged cell phone and charger, medications, snacks and other necessary items.
Do not attempt to pass through road closure signs. Never drive through running water or flooded roadways. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.
Be a safe and courteous driver. It only adds a few minutes to your travel time and make it a more enjoyable drive for everyone.
This time of year as the Autumn air crisps and the leaves start to turn and fall, we start to think of all we have to be thankful for. For us at Pine Cove Water District we are grateful for the clean mountain air, fresh water from the mountain top, the peaceful sound of our quiet community and the wonderful neighbors, family and friends. Next week is Thanksgiving and we hope everyone is able to feast in gratitude with their loved ones. in observance of this holiday the office will be closed on Thursday (Thanksgiving day) and Friday the 28th and 29th.
If you have a water emergency during the holiday thru the weekend please contact the emergency number and the on call staff member will be able to help you. (951)236-9163
For any non-emergency calls feel free to leave a message on the office line and we will get back to you on the next available business day.
We are finding more Monarch caterpillars everyday in our planters. They are eating a ton of Milkweed and getting bigger with each day. Soon they will get big enough to shape themselves into a J and start spinning a cocoon. From there the transformation from a chubby little caterpillar to a majestic Monarch butterfly will begin.
How many caterpillars do you see in the above picture?
This little caterpillar has ate this Milkweed leaf down to a nub.
Just hanging around upside down.
Answer to the fist picture: 4 Caterpillars are pictured
Around the district there has been a variety of beautiful blooming flowers. A month ago, you could see and smell the beauty of the lilacs around every corner. Here at the District office we have three apple trees that were in full bloom with stunning apple blossoms in may and we were a little concerned when we had those few late May freezes that the apples may not survive. Fortunately, the apples survived the late spring cold weather and now we are looking at hundreds of growing apples. Under our three beautiful apple trees is a raspberry patch that is about to gift us with hundreds of sweet red raspberries. If you drove past the office in the last couple of weeks you may have noticed the incredibly large tea-rose bush that was covered in pink and white little roses. We also have a variety of milkweed plants that are also in bloom here at the district office and around the district office. The most wonderful part about the milkweed plants is that Monarch Butterflies are attracted to them.
Gardening in our little mountain town can come with its fair share of challenges. If it isn’t the droughts, we have experienced in years past complicating our gardens it could be a late freeze, gophers, bugs or even deer. Here at PCWD we want to help our customers in whatever way we can that is why we offer free mulch and woodchips for free to all our customers. We want to help you make your house and garden thrive.
Unfortunately at this moment the office phones are down. We are currently working on the issue to get them back up and running. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have a water emergency please contact the emergency cell (951)294-8282. If you would like to contact the Office Manager Becky or the Office Assistant you can contact us directly by email.
becky@pcwd.org lowen@pcwd.org
Thank you for your patience while we take care of this. ~PCWD Staff
This week is the 4th of July and thanks to the efforts of Caltrans and Aims Construction SR-74 from Hemet to Mt. Center will be open with a pilot car escort starting July 4th. The schedule for the pilot car from July 4th thru July 7th will be from 4am to midnight. Idyllwild will be celebrating Independence Day with the Rotary’s 53rd annual Parade. The parade starts at 10a.m. and will include Bagpipers, motorcyclist, Corvette Club, a horse drawn stagecoach and much more. There are many festivities happening on the 4th and throughout the weekend including a laser light show on the 4th in the center of town from 9pm-10pm. Various establishments in town with be having live music to enjoy. Please come join us in this beautiful mountain air to celebrate and support our little community.
In Observance of the Independence of our beloved country the Pine Cove Water District Office will be closed Thursday July 4th and Friday July 5th. If you would like to drop your payment off the door slot will be available. If you have a water emergency please call (951)294-8282.
After the snow last night, we have at least two feet of snow on
the ground and extremely high snow berms. Currently, three of the four ways off
the mountain are closed. Hwy 371 through Anza is the only open route and chains
are required except for 4wd vehicles with snow tires.
Is your water off? Do you have a neighbor or friend that can
check for you? Why do we ask? Because we are producing 80 gpm which is twice
the normal production in this type of weather.
If you can’t find someone to check and make sure your water is off
you can call the office but because of the weather and the work involved to
locate your shut off valve the minimum charge will be $100. If the tractor has
to be used to remove the snow to locate your meter there will be additional fees.
These costs are estimates to recover the cost of the labor and equipment
involved.
You can check the current weather by clicking our link above and
viewing the webcam off our website. To check current road conditions click the
dot link above and enter the highway number.
Per Jerry’s recommendation if you don’t need to come up the mountain
just don’t. Give the County and Caltrans a few days to get the roads clear and
safe. Only residents will be allowed up the mountain for several days. If you
have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the office.
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