You may already be aware of our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of our service. Last month, we experienced two component failures. These components release the air from our water wells upon start-up. These valves would become stuck in a closed or partially closed position, forcing the column of air into the water distribution system. Our office has received several complaints regarding air and sandy/silt in the water. This issue was ongoing for several weeks but has since been resolved. The water sample results were free of contamination during this period.  

The district had planned to pull the well pump for basic maintenance this upcoming winter, when water demand would be at a minimum. However, after our recent concerns about water quality and the limitations imposed by the availability of well pump contractors, it was decided to proceed now rather than wait until winter, as further issues and the potential for a catastrophic failure would have cost the district tens of thousands of dollars more.

Future Capital Improvement Projects include a modern integrated telemetry system with SCADA. Data logging, system status updates, alarm notifications, and fail-safe scenarios will allow staff to view, control, and record specific equipment information. Allowing district staff to better manage the water system with real-time, live data. Replacement of our current non-compliant wellsite generator and drilling of a new water well are in the planning and design phase.

Our current billing system technical issues have been an ongoing concern with many customers and staff alike, but rest assured, these issues will be worth the wait as we head into the future. The next generation of water meters will be seamlessly integrated into the district's integrated management system (IMS) to reduce duplication of information between systems, establishing a unified process and procedures for improving overall efficiencies.  A simple example is our third-party online bill pay option, Payclix. Soon, our customers can use a customer portal directly in the billing system to make their payments electronically, which will save both the district and customers time and money, with the benefit of having all of the customers' account history, updating contact information, and contacting the district directly without logging into seperate accounts, calling or emailing using different devices.