Holiday July 4th

This week is the 4^th 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 4^th. The schedule for the pilot car from July 4^th thru July 7^th will be from 4am to midnight. Idyllwild will be celebrating Independence Day with the Rotary’s 53^rd 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 4^th and throughout the weekend including a laser light show on the 4^th 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.

Current Weather and Highway Conditions

Dear Pine Cove Water District customers,

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.

Best Regards,

Lindsay Owen

Office Assistant

(951)659-2675

Snow Driving… Are You Prepared?

After this weeks great snowstorm, we are thankful for the precipitation. However, with the snow comes an increased risk of dangerous road conditions. Proper preparation and prevention for winter driving weather can help keep you safe.

When the threat of cold weather approaches it’s a good idea to give your car a good checkup to make sure it is winterized for the coming weather. Purchase snow tires or aggressive tires for good traction. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of antifreeze. Check that your headlights, tail lights and defroster are in good working condition. New windshield wipers and winterized wiper fluid will help ensure your windshield will stay free of rain show and debris. For inside preparation of your car keeping some essential items. Snow chains can come in handy and are sometimes necessary. Purchase a snow shovel and kitty litter or sand for digging yourself out of a jam and giving your vehicle traction. Flares, a flashlight and a snow scraper should also be kept in your car in case an emergency situation arises. Proper visibility is essential before you even attempt to venture out in the snow. Make sure your car is clear of all the snow, including the roof.

Just because you have all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles doesn’t make you unstoppable during winter driving. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive can greatly assist you to get going in snow and ice, plus provide extra control when turning. However, they won’t help you stop much faster than a front- or rear-wheel-drive car when you hit that patch of black ice.
Many experts suggest driving super-smoothly in the winter, as if though you don’t have brakes at all, since you don’t know whether you’ll have any grip for braking when you need it. If you have a 2WD vehicle it is imperative to use your chains while driving in snow, slush or ice.

It is best to use the highest precautions when driving on winter roads. When the roads are icy or snowy drive slow enough to have control of your vehicle is safest for you and other drivers. Do not stop and loose momentum while going up hill. Keep a double safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. Remember, it can take up to 10 seconds more to stop your vehicle on winter roads, so don’t ride to close and don’t slam on your brakes.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need chains please get to a safe place to put your chains on.

EWNS Early Warning Notification System

Did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.

The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.

The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.

PCWD Winter Reminder

The winter weather we have been experiencing can cause frozen, leaky or burst pipes. 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.

PCWD Office: (951)659-2675

Emergency after hours: (951)294-8282

Wildfire Preparedness

Build an Emergency Evacuation Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery powered or hand crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.  You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car.  The kit should include:

Copies of prescription medications; Cell Phone chargers; Bedding/clothing, including sleeping bags & pillows;  Bottled water; battery operated radio/extra batteries; first-aid kit; flashlight; Copies of important documents, like your drivers license, SS card, PROOF OF RESIDENCY, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.; Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate.

PREPARE YOUR HOME
Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping your home with wildfire safety
in mind.
Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling.
Treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL-approved fire retardant chemicals.
Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine,
evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
Regularly clean roof and gutters.
Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good
working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of
National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact
specifications.)
Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself. Also, screen
openings to floors, roof and attic.
Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and
change the batteries at least once each year.
Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw,
bucket and shovel.
Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the
property.
Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other
structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered generator in case electrical power is cut off.

Create a 30- to 100-Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home:

• Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat.
• Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home
  sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire
  department or forestry of fire for additional information.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill—
  use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning
  regulations.
• Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then
  bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans
  in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved wood-burning devices.

MAKE A PLAN!

Talk to your family, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going.  If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time…ask a friend or a neighbor ahead of time, if you can ride off the hill with them.   If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations can’t pump gas…not without a generator.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR PETS.

PETS

• Plan ahead. Know where you will take or leave your pets. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, arrange in advance for a neighbor to check on or transport your pets. Make sure your neighbors have your contact numbers (cell phone, work, home, etc.). In the event of evacuation pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters – have an alternate prearranged location to take your animals.
• Make sure your pets are always wearing properly fitted collars with personal identification, rabies and license tags.
• Each animal should have it’s own pet carrier. Birds, rodents and reptiles should be transported in cages. Cover cages with a light sheet or cloth to minimize their fear.
• Store vaccination/medical records, veterinary contact information, proof of owner- ship, a current photo, and a Disaster Preparedness Kit in one location.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit

• Pet carrier for each pet
• Two week supply of food and water
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Pet first-aid kit
• Medications and dosing instructions
• Car litter box and litter
• Plastic bags for waste disposal
• Paper towels
• Disinfectants
• Leashes/collars/harnesses
• Blankets
• Toys and treats
• Newspaper

IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR PET

• If you must leave your pets, bring them indoors. Never leave pets chained outdoors!
• Use a room with no windows and adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie pets up!
• Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.

Cranston Fire

Well, we all made it!  The Cranston fire tried hard to come over the ridge, but the fire fighters were able to keep it away!  It’s ironic that we had already prepared to send you Evacuation information from CalFire, when the fire hit and we were evacuated.  We feel that you’ll still find it useful, in preparation for the next time we have to be evacuated.  You’ll also see a letter from the General Manager.  Please read it.  And for those of you that are interested, we have our monthly board meeting tomorrow morning, 8/8/2018, at 10:00 in the board room at PCWD.  The public is invited to attend.

We want to remind everyone that the due date for the billing has changed!  It is no longer due on the 25th of the month.  It has been extended to the 1st of the following month, giving you more time to pay your bill.  Late fee’s will be assessed after the 1st of the month, if not paid.

Another reminder that we have moved into Stage 2 water restrictions.  Please restrict your watering to the hours of 6:00 pm to 8:00 am.  We offer free wood chips and compost to our customers!  Please take advantage while you can.

New Due Date for payments

A new due date has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors.  Effective 8/1/2018, the new due date for payments will be the 1st of the month following billing (1st of the odd months).  A late fee of $15.00 will be added to the account if it is not paid in full by that date.

If account remains unpaid for 15 days after the 1st of the odd month, water service will be disconnected, and a disconnection fee of $75.00 will be added to your account.  All fees and amounts due will need to be paid in full to get water restored.

Stage 2 Water Conservation – Effective 6/1/2018

Effective 6/1/2018, we will be moving into Stage 2 Water Conservation.  We really had no winter to speak of, and want to conserve now, so we have water in the future.  Our customers do an excellent job of conserving, and we appreciate all of your efforts!  Please remember that the District offers free compost and wood chips to help with your efforts.  Contact the office for more information.

Change to Water Rates

The following Resolution was passed unanimously by the Board of Directors of Pine Cove Water District:

PINE COVE WATER DISTRICT

RESOLUTION #529

THIS RESOLUTION CONTAINS THE COMBINATION OF ALL SPECIAL RATES AND WATER RATES, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, MOBILE HOME PARKS AND CAMPS.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE PINE COVE WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT THIS RESOLUTION SUPERSEDES RESOLUTION #504.

THESE CHARGES WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON June 1, 2018

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Effective 6/1/2018, the Bi-monthly minimum charge, based on actual cost will be $65.00 for two-month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 3.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 5.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 7.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 4/1/2019, the Bi-monthly minimum charge will be $68.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 4.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 6.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 8.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2020, the Bi-monthly minimum charge will be $71.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 5.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 7.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 9.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2021, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $74.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  6.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$  8.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$10.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2022, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $77.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  7.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$  9.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$11.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000 gallons

Effective 2/1/2023, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $80.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  8.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$10.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$12.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000